Brookline High School landed fifth among the best public high schools in Massachusetts in Niche's 2027 national school rankings, released Monday, Sept. 28.

The school, which enrolls 2,181 students, trailed only MA Academy for Math and Science, Weston High School, Boston Latin School and Lexington High School in the statewide list. Hopkinton, Belmont and Dover-Sherborn rounded out the top eight.

Niche evaluated 93,000 public schools nationwide for the ranking, as Patch first reported. The analysis draws on federal and state data, school statistics and more than 3 million reviews from students, parents and teachers.

One notable change this year: SAT and ACT scores were dropped from the formula. Niche said the move reflects a broader de-emphasis on standardized test scores in college admissions. The remaining factors include state test proficiency, college readiness, graduation rates, teacher quality and user ratings.

Brookline High earned an A-plus in both academics and teachers on its Niche profile. It also received an A in diversity, college prep and clubs and activities. Administration, sports and resources each drew an A-minus. Food scored a C-plus.

Student and parent reviews on Niche highlight the school's range of electives, including baking, TV production, photography and forensic science. Reviewers also pointed to programs like ACE and School Within a School, which create smaller communities inside the building. The METCO program, which brings students from Boston into suburban districts, drew mention as well.

The Public Schools of Brookline has not issued a public response to the ranking.

Luke Skurman, Niche's founder and CEO, said the updated rankings aim to give families more ways to compare schools. Niche also rolled out new standalone lists this year for Best Schools for the Arts, Most Diverse Schools and Best College Prep Schools. The national public high school ranking covers 24,897 schools.