football players forming the letters GSA

Goddard Scholars Academy

Mission Statement

Goddard Scholars Academy (GSA) provides a rigorous and accelerated academic program in a safe, nurturing, and personalized atmosphere.

The student body is a select group of Worcester Public Schools' students, grades 6-8, who have demonstrated academic proficiency.

GSA develops students’ abilities and gifts into talents and skills. GSA is the middle school component of a college preparatory program conducted in collaboration with South High Community School and Clark University.

Admission Process

Qualifying WPS students in grade 5 receive a letter of invitation to apply into Goddard Scholars. Students qualify based on their STAR testing scores.
Invited students can apply online through this website.
A randomized lottery is held to determine admission.

Students can apply in grade 5 (for grade 6), to join Goddard Scholars Academy at Dr. Arthur F. Sullivan Middle School.

Additionally, students can apply in grade 8 (for grade 9) to join Goddard Scholars Academy at South High Community School.

If you have questions about grade 6 admission, please contact Dr. Arthur F. Sullivan Middle School.

If you have questions about grade 9 admission, please contact South High Community School.

Application Process

Goddard Scholars Academy begins in the 6th grade. We accept 50 students to each class. Students apply to GSA by invitation.

To learn more about the application process, please visit the Application and Acceptance page.

Vision

The Goddard Scholars Academy (GSA) lays the foundation for students to reach their full potential, to engage in higher-level course work, and compete nationally at high academic levels.

Cornerstones of GSA include developing pride, discipline, and integrity in engaging with challenging academics. This is accomplished through reading, writing, discourse, the arts, social interaction, and application of critical thinking and digital literacies.

GSA students engage in practices that promote social justice and civic responsibility.