Friday, May 1, 2026
Dear Families of the New Citizens Center Secondary Program,
I hope you are doing well. I am writing to share information about the future of the New Citizens Center Secondary Program and your child’s school placement for the 2026-27 school year.
The Worcester Public Schools has made the decision to end the operation of the New Citizens Center Secondary Program in its own building at the close of the current school year in June. Beginning next school year, in 2026-27, the New Citizens Center Secondary programming will operate within traditional middle schools and high schools within the Worcester Public Schools district.
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.
In the coming weeks, a member of the New Citizens Center staff will contact you to discuss the process of transferring your child to a new school within the Worcester Public Schools district.
New Citizens Center programming for students in grades 7 and 8 will be held at the Dr. Arthur F. Sullivan Middle School at 140 Apricot Street and Worcester East Middle School at 420 Grafton Street.
New Citizens Center programming for students in grades 9 through 12 will be held at the following high schools:
Burncoat High School at 179 Burncoat Street
Doherty Memorial High School at 299 Highland Street
North High School at 140 Harrington Way
South High Community School at 170 Apricot Street
Students will be assigned to one of these schools based on their residential addresses. However, if you would like to explore a different school option, please contact a staff member or the Parent Information Center at 508-799-3194.
This decision is not a reflection on the efforts of the staff at New Citizens Center, who have done a tremendous job educating and supporting students. District administrators discussed the transition with staff this week.
We realize this news marks a significant change for students and families. We foresee this transition as an opportunity for students to grow in a robust academic and social environment.
Dr. Erin Goldstein, the Coordinator of New Citizens Center, will transition into a similar role supporting newcomer students across the district. If you have any questions about the transition, you may contact her by email or by calling 508-799-3494.
You may also contact the following people or offices with questions:
Ellen Kelley, Executive Director of the Doherty Quadrant
Jessica Mandes, Director of Multilingual Education
Parent Information Center at worcesterschools.org/enrollment or 508-799-3194
Thank you for your support and shared dedication to the success of students.
Sincerely,
Brian E. Allen
Superintendent
Worcester Public Schools