Worcester Schools To Close 2 Programs, Relocate Another Amid Budget Constraints

WORCESTER, MA — Worcester Public Schools will close two specialized programs and relocate a third at the end of the 2025-26 school year, district officials announced on Friday, citing financial constraints and a push to streamline services.

Superintendent Brian Allen said the changes are intended to “ensure fiscal responsibility and strengthen outcomes for students who require the highest levels of support.”

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The Academic Center for Transition (ACT), which serves 59 elementary students in grades K-6 with individualized education plans (IEPs), will close in June. Students will be referred to the Central Massachusetts Collaborative’s Hartwell Learning Center, located in the same building at 14 New Bond St. District officials said the Collaborative has agreed to accept all ACT students and keep them in their current classroom spaces.

The Worcester Alternative School, a therapeutic program for 36 high school students with IEPs, will also close at the end of the school year. Those students will be referred to the Central Massachusetts Academy, also operated by the Collaborative at the New Bond Street location. Some students may also be placed in other district programs.

The New Citizens Center Secondary Program, which serves 37 English learner students ages 12 to 17 with limited or interrupted formal education, will not close but will move out of its standalone building at 1407A Main St. Students and staff will transition into Worcester middle and high schools.

District officials said the changes will expand opportunities for those students, including access to more academic courses, athletics, clubs, and extracurricular activities, while maintaining language support services.

The Central Massachusetts Collaborative, an independent public day school program that partners with local districts, has worked with Worcester Public Schools for nearly 50 years. The program provides therapeutic and clinical support for students ages 5 to 22, with small class sizes and specialized staff, including clinicians and Board Certified Behavior Analysts.

Families of students in ACT and Worcester Alternative School will be contacted by the district’s Special Education Department about the transition process. The Collaborative plans to host open houses this spring and meet individually with families over the summer.

Staff members affected by the closures are being offered opportunities to transfer to other positions within the district, officials said.

Superintendent Allen emphasized that the decisions were not a reflection of staff performance.

“These decisions are not a reflection on the staff, who have done great work to support students,” he said.

The changes come as Worcester Public Schools faces ongoing budget pressures and seeks to reduce duplication of services across programs.

District leaders acknowledged the impact the moves may have on families and staff.

“We realize this news marks a significant change,” Superintendent Allen said. “Worcester Public Schools will support all families and staff through this transition.”

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