Boston Latin School Being Downgraded to Level 2 School: Boston Mayor

BOSTON, MA — Boston Latin School is slated to downgrade from a Level 1 school to a Level 2 school, an audibly angry Mayor Marty Walsh told Boston Herald radio Monday morning.

"I think people are going to be really upset about this," Walsh said, saying it came down to 13 students not taking a spring 2016 standardized exam. "Boston Latin is not a Level 2 school. ... This is unacceptable."

Public schools in Massachusetts are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5 by the state, based on performance metrics including standardized testing. A school's accountability level impacts funding allocation and, at lower levels, employees' collective bargaining abilities and level of local control. The PARCC test replaced the MCAS, and is new this year, Walsh said.

For Boston Latin, the impact is more one of reputation. According to the state, Level 2 schools are still considered generally successful and do not face consequences. They are, however, encouraged to renew their focus on high-needs students.

Walsh said an opt-out provision was in place for the PARCC test currently being piloted, but when those students utilized that opt-out, BLS was slated for downgrade. Other schools around the state may also be impacted, he said.

Boston Latin is the country's oldest public high school and is considered not only one of the best public schools in the state, but also in the country. Walsh said there will be no impact on enrollment or quality of education.

In addition to Boston Latin, Roger Clap, an elementary school in Dorchester, is also slated to be downgraded to Level 2, Walsh said.

The decision isn't final, Walsh said, adding that he is appealing up to the state's Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and has spoken with the governor. He has not yet heard back from the DESE commissioner, he said.

You can listen to Walsh's full interview with Herald Radio here.

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