Apply Online to METCO Until April 30!

Apply NOW for METCO 2020!

METCO Application Period Open Online Until April 30

as Pandemic Keeps Parents at Home

School integration program offers diverse educational opportunities with outstanding high school graduation, college enrollment record

School is closed, but METCO is accepting applications for school-age children who live in Boston through its new online portal, giving parents the opportunity to explore educational opportunities while they are at home with their children during the pandemic.

METCO is a voluntary school integration program that helps to reduce racial isolation in the suburbs by providing students from Boston with the opportunity to attend participating suburban school districts.

The spring application window is open from April 1 -30, so parents and guardians can take advantage of time at home to sign up to be entered into a lottery for grades K-10 in fall 2020. You can complete a preliminary application at ​metcoinc.org/apply​ at any time. No documentation is required at the time of the preliminary application.

Due to the challenges of the coronavirus, METCO is verifying documents on a rolling basis rather than enforcing strict deadlines. Upon receiving a lottery number, families can upload the required documents from their phone or computer as they are able. Verified and complete applications are being referred to participating suburban districts as spaces become available in each grade level.

METCO’s Roxbury offices are closed with all staff working remotely and available to help you. Meanwhile you can explore the METCO, Inc. website ​www.metcoinc.org and see what this program can mean to you and your child. You can call 617-427-1545 for assistance and further information.

The Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity (METCO) is the revered, historic school integration program that places Boston students in predominantly white suburban schools, breaking down barriers to educational opportunities and creating racially diverse learning environments for students of all backgrounds.

Research shows that graduation rates and college attainment among METCO students are far above state averages and lifelong friendships are forged between diverse students.

This year a lottery replaces the lengthy METCO waiting list. All eligible applicants who have submitted a complete application with all requirements by April 30 will receive a lottery number and have an equal opportunity to be referred to suburban schools connected with METCO. Parents can track the progress of their application throughout the application process.

During this transition year, certain groups of applicants from previous years will retain priority status; see metcoinc.org/status for details. However, all students need to complete a new online application to be considered.

The application upgrade is the first significant change since METCO was founded in 1966 and takes place after a year-long study with extensive and intensive community feedback and input from educational officials.

“We want to give parents the opportunity to learn more about METCO while many are at home during this pandemic,” said METCO President & CEO Milly Arbaje-Thomas. “We know that METCO can be a life-changing opportunity. Our new application process makes it easier and more equitable for families to make METCO one of their school options. We will work with you every step of the way. Don’t miss the deadline of April 30!”

Arbaje-Thomas also extended her warmest wishes to all Boston families and METCO’s friends in the suburbs. “Please stay safe with your families during this challenging time,” she said. “We look forward to a return to normal with everyone back to school before too long!”

About METCO

Since its founding in 1966, the historic METCO program has enrolled tens of thousands of Boston students in predominantly white school districts, creating the opportunity for students in those districts to experience the advantages of learning in a racially and ethnically diverse setting. METCO has reached tens of thousands of students, supporting over 3,100 families annually in 33 participating suburban school districts and 190 public schools, with graduation rates and college attainment far above state averages.

But METCO’s true power goes beyond academics. METCO creates environments where students, parents and teachers of different backgrounds can appreciate diversity, find common ground through shared experiences, build lifelong friendships between diverse students, and strive toward the mutual goal of preparing young people to become global citizens. Through a growing number of corporate and civic partnerships, METCO Headquarters also offers Boston families access to an array of support systems and opportunities, including scholarships, internships, enrichment programs and more.