After prosecutors dropped criminal charges, the Town of Brookline agreed to pay $3 million to a former public school student who was allegedly sexually abused by former middle school teacher Larry Chen. After months of discussions, the town and the Public Schools of Brookline reached an agreement with the woman and her lawyer, agreeing to pay an initial $1.5 million and then five annual installments of $300,000 beginning the following year, according to Joe Callanan, Brookline's town counsel.
Topping the list going into 2026 is the Public Schools of Brookline. Brookline schools earned an A+ overall Niche grade, and received individual A+ grades in academics, teachers, college prep, clubs & activities, and administration. Sports and resources & facilities each received an A grade, diversity got an A-, and food was the only category not in the "A" range, garnering a B-.
