Worcester Technical High School on Receiving National Academic Award
Worcester Technical High School of Worcester, Massachusetts has been named a Breakthrough School by The MetLife Foundation and the National Association of Secondary School Principals.
In announcing the award, The MetLife Foundation-NASSP says that Worcester Technical High School was one of ten schools selected for this prestigious national honor in recognition of its best practices and outstanding student results. The MetLife Foundation-NASSP Breakthrough Schools program recognizes middle level and high schools that are high achieving or are dramatically improving student achievement and serve large numbers of students living in poverty.
The award will be presented to Principal, Sheila M. Harrity on Sunday, February 27, 2011, at the National Association of Secondary School Principals’ Conference in San Francisco.
For more information visit the Worcester Technical High School website at www.worcestertechnicalhigh.com
There are several stories within this story. Here are just a few:
There’s the history of a school that started out as a trade school for boys in 1910. Girls wanted equal training and a trade school for girls opened a year later.
Since the school opened in 2006, academic performance has zoomed from far below average to way above.
Faculty, students, administration and advisors have experienced wonderful excitement in preparing “to be the best.”
The school has great involvement with the community. For example students in the construction academy have rehabbed several condemned multi-family homes in the City of Worcester.
In 2006, the school moved into a new $90 million building — the result of community advocates.
Private industry provides support for equipment and training through the Skyline Technical Fund.
Two-thirds of students qualify for the free lunch program. Graduation rates are above state averages.
Many students earn college credits while in high school.
For a quick 40-second overview of Worcester Technical High’s academic achievement, click on this video link.
