APPLY TO METCO TODAY!

Thinking about NEXT year’s school options?

METCO IS ACCEPTING 2021-22 APPLICATIONS ONLINE! metcoinc.org/apply

Put your child on road to success in school and life

Boston parents can apply NOW for Fall 2021 enrollment in renowned school integration program

The Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity has opened its online application process for the 2021-22 school year. Boston families who wish to enroll their school-age children in suburban public schools can apply online at metcoinc.org/apply between October 2 and November 30, 2020. Other application cycles will be offered in the new year.

For more information and/or assistance with the application process, please call 617-427-1545 or go to metcoinc.org.

METCO is the highly applauded, historic school integration program that was founded to invite Boston children of color to enroll in predominantly white suburban schools, breaking down barriers to educational opportunities and creating racially diverse learning environments for students of all backgrounds.

The METCO application process, modernized in 2019 to increase efficiency, equity and transparency, allows parents to complete an application from any online device. Upon verification of student eligibility, students will be entered into a lottery 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.

METCO CEO Milly Arbaje-Thomas points out that METCO is making a difference in a world plagued by racial discord, saying: “In the wake of the horrific racial incidents that shone a light on systemic racism in America this year, METCO is working with even greater passion with suburban school partners to introduce initiatives that promote racial justice.”

She noted that METCO historically has reduced racial isolation in suburban classrooms by enabling students to build life-long interracial friendships while preparing to become global citizens. Research shows that shared experiences is they key element in reducing racial barriers and METCO provides that at an early age. Graduation rates and college attainment among METCO students are far above state averages and lifelong friendships are forged between diverse students.

METCO’s mission and success

Launched as a grass-roots collaboration among activists in Boston and suburban communities in 1966, the state-funded METCO program works with 33 school districts and 190 schools in Massachusetts to provide the opportunity for 3,150 students of color from Boston to attend suburban schools. It creates environments where students, parents and teachers of different backgrounds can appreciate diversity, find common ground through shared experiences, and strive toward the mutual goal of preparing young people to become global citizens.

METCO provides students with a strong academic foundation rich in cultural, educational, ethnic, socioeconomic and racial diversity, fostering the opportunity for children from Boston and from neighboring suburbs to develop a deeper understanding of each other in an integrated public school setting.