Newton South High School is one of two public high schools in the city of Newton, Massachusetts, United States, the other being Newton North.
Serving 1,861 students in grades 9-12, Newton South High School ranks in the top 5% of all schools in Massachusetts for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 5%, and reading proficiency is top 5%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 86% (which is higher than the Massachusetts state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 79% (which is higher than the Massachusetts state average of 44%).
The student:teacher ratio of 12:1 is equal to the Massachusetts state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 44% of the student body (majority Asian), which is lower than the Massachusetts state average of 47% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,861 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 44%
- Graduation Rate: ≥99% (Top 1% in MA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 5%
- Math Proficiency: 86% (Top 5%)
- Reading Proficiency: 79% (Top 5%)
- Science Proficiency: 64% (Top 20%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Newton South High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Massachusetts for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Newton South High School's student population of 1,861 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 151 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,861 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
151 teachers
Year Founded
1960
Colors
Blue, Orange
School Calendar
First Day of School
Mon. Sep 1, 2025
Last Day of School
Sat. Jun 20, 2026
School Rankings
Newton South High School ranks within the top 5% of all 1,626 schools in Massachusetts (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Newton South High School is 0.62, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.65. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#25 out of 1626 schools
(Top 5%)
(Top 5%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
86%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
79%
44%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
64%
44%
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
12:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
25%
7%
Hispanic
9%
25%
Black
4%
10%
White
56%
53%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
6%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
≥99%
90%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
11%
35%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Lion
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Newton South High School's ranking?
Newton South High School is ranked #25 out of 1,626 schools, which ranks it among the top 5% of public schools in Massachusetts.
What schools are Newton South High School often compared to?
Newton South High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Newton North High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
86% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% MA state average), while 79% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 44% MA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Newton South High School?
The graduation rate of Newton South High School is 99%, which is higher than the Massachusetts state average of 90%.
How many students attend Newton South High School?
1,861 students attend Newton South High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
56% of Newton South High School students are White, 25% of students are Asian, 9% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Two or more races, and 4% of students are Black.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Newton South High School?
Newton South High School has a student ration of 12:1, which is equal to the Massachusetts state average of 12:1.
What grades does Newton South High School offer ?
Newton South High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Newton South High School part of?
Newton South High School is part of Newton School District.
In what neighborhood is Newton South High School located?
Newton South High School is located in the Oak Hill neighborhood of Newton Center, MA. There are 3 other public schools located in Oak Hill.
School Reviews
Review Newton South High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Opinion: Handcuffing in Public Schools is a Gateway to More Violence
Some districts are banning handcuffing, while others are cuffing kindergarteners simply throwing a temper tantrum. Read this editorial to see why this author believes slapping the cuffs on children鈥檚 wrists only leads to more behavior issues and violence in their adult lives.
Whooping Cough: Should Vaccinations be Required for Public School Enrollment?
Whopping cough is making a comeback, especially amongst children, prompting health officials to encourage pertussis vaccines and boosters. However, should the pertussis vaccine be required for public school enrollment? Learn about current proposed laws and its ramifications.
What are Common Core Standards and Why Do We Need Them?
With schools nationwide adopting common core standards, we鈥檒l take a look at what they are, their benefits, and how they will change the face of public education.
