Dear Worcester Public Schools Community,
I hope you are well. I am writing to inform the district community of important changes that will impact three educational programs next school year, 2026-27. Our belief is that these shifts will both ensure fiscal responsibility and strengthen outcomes for students who require the highest levels of support.
Details of these announcements have been shared with families and staff of these programs.
The Academic Center for Transition (ACT), which serves grades K-6 students on Individualized Education Plans in therapeutic, individualized settings, will close at the end of the current school year in June. The students will be referred to the Central Massachusetts Collaborative’s Hartwell Learning Center, which is located in the same building at 14 New Bond Street. The Collaborative has pledged to accept all students and keep students in the same classroom spaces that ACT is currently using. There are currently 59 students enrolled at ACT.
The Worcester Alternative School, which serves grades 9-12 students on Individualized Education Plans in therapeutic, individualized settings, will close at the end of the current school year in June. The students will be referred to the Central Massachusetts Collaborative’s Central Massachusetts Academy, located at 14 New Bond Street. The Collaborative has pledged to accept all students from Worcester Alternative School. Alternative arrangements within Worcester Public Schools are also available. There are currently 36 students enrolled at Worcester Alternative School.
The New Citizens Center Secondary Program, which serves English Learner students with limited or interrupted formal education from ages 12-17, will cease operating in its own building, at 1407A Main Street, at the close of the school year in June. The program will continue to operate in traditional middle schools and high schools within Worcester Public Schools with staff and students transitioning to those locations. There are currently 37 students enrolled at NCC Secondary.
ACT, Worcester Alternative
The Central Massachusetts Collaborative is an independently-run public day school that partners with local school districts. It specializes in providing clinical, therapeutic educational services for students between the ages of 5 and 22. It is operated separately from the Worcester Public Schools but has been a close partner of WPS for nearly five decades.
For students in Academic Center for Transition and Worcester Alternative School, staff from the Worcester Public Schools Special Education Department will contact their parents or guardians to discuss the process of transferring into the Collaborative. Additionally, the Collaborative will hold open houses (information sessions) later this spring along with individual meetings with all families about the enrollment and transition process through the summer. District administrators, including members of the Human Resources Department, have begun meeting with staff members to find new positions within the Worcester Public Schools.
At the Collaborative, students will have safe access to indoor and outdoor educational and recreational activities. Students will continue to have access to robust therapeutic supports and individualized instruction in small-group settings. Class sizes will remain low with a ratio of 8 students to 1 teacher, with a maximum of 12 students with 1-2 paraeducators depending on classroom needs. There is 1 clinician and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) for every two to three classrooms.
NCC Secondary
For students in the New Citizens Center Secondary Program, staff from the program will contact parents or guardians to discuss the process of transferring to a middle school or high school. Staff from NCC will be relocated to these schools to support these students.
As a result of this transition, students in the New Citizens Center Secondary Program will have greater access to an array of academic courses, athletics, clubs, extracurricular activities, and integration with their peers. Additionally, the staff who work at New Citizens Center will be transferred to schools where the students will be located to support them with individualized English as a Second Language instruction and other areas.
Reasoning for Changes
The reasons for these decisions have to do with long-term fiscal constraints and the need to reduce duplication of services. These decisions are not a reflection on the staff, who have done great work to support students.
We realize this news marks a significant change for students, staff, and families in these programs. Please know the Worcester Public Schools will support all families and staff through this transition. We will always remain committed to high-quality education and the success of students from all backgrounds.
Sincerely,
Brian E. Allen
Superintendent
Worcester Public Schools