Worcester Academy To Freeze Tuition For Upcoming School Year

The following was submitted as a press release to Worcester Patch

WORCESTER, MA — Worcester Academy Head of School Kevin Breen today announced that Worcester Academy, one of the country’s oldest and most celebrated independent schools, will freeze, and in some cases lower, tuition for the 2022-2023 school year. The move comes as independent schools across the region are increasingly under pressure to increase fees and tuition in the face of inflation.

“From the coronavirus to increased inflation, these last two years have brought unparalleled challenges for all of us,” he said. “In an effort to support our families in these unprecedented times, Worcester Academy is freezing tuition for the upcoming school year, and in some cases, lowering it altogether.”

Breen said the Academy recognizes the sacrifices that many Worcester Academy parents make to send their children to WA.

“The freeze signifies the school’s and its board of trustees’ commitment to affordability both now and in the future,” he said.

AFFORDABILITY, PARTNERSHIP ARE STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

“Although the school is dealing with increased expenses and the reality that tuition revenue does not cover the cost of operating our school, affordability is a strategic priority,” Breen said. “The Academy believes this new pricing is consistent with its desire to strengthen our partnership with our families and with the city we call home. Affordability will continue to be an institutional priority and will strengthen our mission to ‘Achieve the Honorable.’ ”

He noted that the Academy is proud to be an independent school committed to an economically diverse group of families, with 50 percent of the student body receiving some level of financial aid, well above the average for independent schools in Massachusetts. The decision to freeze tuition is yet another step in furthering that commitment, Breen said.

“It’s about growing minds, not tuition,” he said.

MAJOR INVESTMENTS, ACADEMY PROJECTS TO CONTINUE

Additionally, he said the tuition freeze would not delay any of the major investments Worcester Academy has planned.

“We will soon begin dramatic renovations of two great halls — The Megaron and Adams Hall — to include new dining and food service areas, the creation of a new front pavilion, and a pedestrian- friendly area known as the Beech Walk. This project will be the first of several as we embark on our Master Campus Plan,” he said.

Breen, who took the helm at Worcester Academy July 1, said he is fortunate to have joined Worcester Academy at such “an exciting and pivotal moment in its 188-year history.”

WORCESTER ACADEMY TODAY

Situated in New England’s second-largest city, and founded in 1834, the Academy is a dynamic school, integrally part of its neighborhood and closely aligned with the renaissance underway in Worcester. Unique among independent schools, the Academy is an urban day and boarding school that is in some ways a typical New England prep school. Yet, it is also remarkably diverse and includes middle school, high school, and a post-graduate program, with day students drawn from Worcester, area cities and towns, and international students from numerous countries. With outstanding academics and programs in visual and performing arts, athletics, and civic involvement, among others, the
Academy, while thriving, is poised to embrace the next exciting chapter in its history. Leading the way are students, who are joyous, unpretentious, open, articulate, and highly motivated. Faculty are dedicated and drawn to both the location and eclecticism of the school and surrounding area. Loyal graduates, trustees, and past and current parents underpin and bolster the reputation and resources of the school.

Over its long, proud history, Worcester Academy has experienced times of prosperity and some periods of considerable challenge; yet the school has remained consistently true to its core mission, adapted with vision and flexibility.

ROLE IN WORCESTER “RENAISSANCE”

In recent years, the Academy has played an increasingly larger role in the city of Worcester “Renaissance,” which is reinvigorating many quarters of the city, including the Canal District, just a short walk from WA. The Canal District is home to Polar Park and the Triple A Red Sox. Worcester Academy is the official independent school partner of the Worcester Red Sox, known locally as the WooSox.

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS/ACADEMY INITIATIVES

The following is a list of some of the many community partners of Worcester and initiatives aimed at supporting its neighborhood and city.

Afternoon Tunes Program, the Anderson Foundation, the Fred Harris Daniels Foundation, Grafton
Street School, Greater Worcester Community Foundation, the George F. & Sybil H. Fuller Foundation, MetroWest/Greater Worcester Habitat for Humanity, St. John's Church Soup Kitchen, The Mildred H. McEvoy Foundation, the Phyllis W. McGillicuddy Charitable Trust, the William J. McKee Jr. Charitable Foundation (WA Class of 1927), the Paul Morano Sr. Fund for Community Enrichment, the Nativity School, the WA Neighborhood Scholars Program, The Progin Foundation, Somaliland Abaarso Tech Scholarships, the WA Summer Scholars Program, WA Summer Camp Program Scholarships, Union Hill School Building Bridges Diversity Program, Union Hill School Student Tutoring, Vernon Street School, Worcester Community Fridge Project, the Worcester Police Department, the city of Worcester, and Worcester Red Sox.

ACADEMY FACTS AND FIGURES

• Total Enrollment: 508
• Middle School Enrollment: 69
• Class of 2022: 140 (including 19 postgraduates)
• U.S. States Represented: 14
• International Students: 70 from 13 countries
• Domestic Students of Color: 30%, 69% Day, 31% Boarding
• Students Receiving Financial Aid: 50%
• Tuition: Middle School $37,800, Upper School Day $40,900, Domestic Boarding $56,000
• Average Class Size: 14
• Academy Campus: 71 acres

NOTABLE WORCESTER ACADEMY ALUMNI

• H. Jon Benjamin 1984, actor, comedian
• Aliyah Boston 2019, nation’s top ranked college women’s basketball player,
• USC
• Elizabeth Butterworth 2007, Rhodes Scholar (2012)
• Rick Carlisle 1979, coach of the Indiana Pacers
• Edward Davis Jones 1873, co-founder of Dow Jones
• Jim Davis 1962, chairman and founder, New Balance Athletic Shoe;
• Andrew Fan 2009, Pulitzer Prize winner (2021)
• Abbie Hoffman 1955, social and political activist
• John Hope 1890, educator and founder of Atlanta University
• Gilbert Hovey Grosvenor 1893, son-in-law of Alexander Graham Bell, founder and first editor of National Geographic magazine
• Jordan Lucas 2012, Chicago Bears of the NFL, Super Bowl LIV Champion
• Mike Malone 1989, head coach Denver Nuggets
• Rep. Jim McGovern 1977, U.S. Congressman (Massachusetts)
• Charles E. Merrill 1904, co-founder of Merrill Lynch
• Donn Nelson 1982, Dallas Mavericks president of basketball operations
• Cole Porter 1909, Broadway composer and Grammy Award winner
• Jacob Stroyer 1872, minister, author, and former slave
• Prince Nandiyavat Svasti 1927, member of Thai Royal Family
• William Toomey 1957, Gold Medal decathlete, 1968 Summer Olympics
• Mike Wilhelm 1986, assistant coach, Chicago Bulls

ABOUT WORCESTER ACADEMY

Founded in 1834, Worcester Academy is an independent day and boarding school for boys and girls in grades 6 to 12 (and postgraduates). Located in the thriving city of Worcester, the Academy provides an exceptional and time-befitting educational experience that fosters personal growth, nurtures a sense of belonging and well-being, and develops intellect and understanding through authentic community engagement and real-world experiences. Students, who are joyful and curious, define what it means to
“Achieve the Honorable” and are equipped to honorably impact the world wherever they go.