Framingham High School
Excellence in Education • Founded 1792
Framingham High School (FHS) is an urban public high school located approximately 20 miles west of Boston in Framingham, Massachusetts. Originally founded as the Framingham Academy in 1792, the modern iteration of the school was established in 1991 following the merger of Framingham North and Framingham South High Schools. For more information about the school’s mission and administration, visit the About FHS page.
In the 2025 academic year, FHS ranked eighth in high school student enrollment within Massachusetts. The school has been recognized as a Commonwealth Compass School and a Vanguard Model School.
History & Evolution
The roots of Framingham High trace back to the Framingham Academy, established in 1798 to replace the “Proprietors of the Brick School House.” While the Academy faced legal dissolution over funding issues, the high school formed in 1852 became its legal successor.
The Era of Two Schools
In 1963, a booming population forced the school to split into Framingham North (Spartans: Green/Gold) and Framingham South (Flyers: Blue/White). This division lasted nearly three decades. In 1991, the schools merged back into a single entity. After a student body vote, it was decided that the unified school would retain the original “Flyers” mascot and the Blue and White color scheme.
Presidential Visit
On October 20, 1994, the school hosted a historic event when President Bill Clinton visited the John F. Kennedy gymnasium to sign the Improving America’s Schools Act (IASA).
Academic Achievement
Once labeled underperforming in the late 90s, FHS underwent significant reforms that led to dramatic increases in MCAS scores and Advanced Placement (AP) participation. It is now frequently cited as an “over-performing” school relative to its demographic makeup. In 2008, Newsweek ranked FHS among the top 500 high schools in the United States. Detailed curriculum guides are available under Program Information.
Programs of Distinction
- ESL Success: The school is renowned for its English as a Second Language program. 69% of students are considered proficient in English after three years, with graduation rates for English-learners significantly higher than state averages.
- Co-Teaching Model: A unique approach where teachers co-teach courses with colleagues, reducing ratios and fostering collaboration.
- Support Programs: Initiatives like Resiliency for Life, Step Up to Excellence, and the Phoenix Program support at-risk students.
- Homeroom Advisers: Launched in 2004, this program assigns faculty mentors to freshmen to reduce grade retention rates.
Demographics (2026)
FHS is a racially, ethnically, and economically diverse institution, reflecting Framingham’s history as an immigrant hub. The student body includes significant populations from Brazil, the Caribbean, South/Central America, Russia, Asia, and Africa.
Enrollment by Race/Ethnicity (2026)
| Race | Enrolled Pupils | % of District |
|---|---|---|
| African American | 175 | 6.9% |
| Asian | 119 | 4.7% |
| Hispanic | 1,178 | 46.5% |
| White | 963 | 38.0% |
| Multi-Race, Non-Hispanic | 96 | 3.8% |
| Native American / Pacific Islander | 0 | 0.0% |
| Total | 2,534 | 100% |
Enrollment by Gender (2026)
| Gender | Enrolled Pupils | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Female | 1,247 | 49.21% |
| Male | 1,272 | 50.2% |
| Non-binary | 15 | 0.59% |
Student Life & Extracurriculars
Athletics
The Flyers compete in the Bay State Conference-Carey Division (MIAA Division I). They field competitive teams in football, basketball, ice hockey, soccer, swimming, wrestling, and many more.
Arts & Drama
The FHS Drama Company is highly acclaimed, frequently reaching the state finals of the Massachusetts Educational Theater Guild festivals. They won the state finals in both 2006 (Tales of Trickery) and 2016 (Sideways Stories from Wayside School).
FHS-TV
The school runs its own television production studio, broadcasting “Flyer News” daily. The student-run program covers school sports, local news, and student opinions.
