Friends of WEllesley METCO

WHAT is METCO?

Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity, began in 1966 and is a state funded, voluntary educational desegregation program designed to eliminate racial imbalance through busing. The METCO program is funded by an annual state grant under the Racial Imbalance Act. Wellesley began its relationship with the METCO program in 1966 as one of the original seven founding districts.

The METCO Family Friends Program supports the successful integration of METCO (Boston) families into the Schofield community so that they benefit fully from all academic and social opportunities. Wellesley families volunteer to serve as a Family Friend for a Boston student that is usually in the same grade and/or class as their child. The Family Friend becomes a valuable resource and contact for the Boston family - helping with questions, concerns and communicating about school news and functions.

The first Wednesday afternoon of each month is a Stay Day Playdate for the Boston kids and their Family Friend. The Wellesley family hosts an after school play date for their friend from Boston. This is a wonderful opportunity for the Boston students to see more of the Wellesley community and have more time outside of school to create lasting friendships that will carry through their middle school and high school years.

The Family Friends program eases the METCO students’ adjustment into attending school in Wellesley and provides a feeling of security by giving them a sense of belonging to the community where they spend the majority of their day.

If you are interested in finding out more information about METCO programs at Schofield or becoming a METCO Family Friend, please email schofieldpto@gmail.com

For more information about METCO you can visit the METCO website