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Applying to METCO:
Applying to METCO:
Step 1:
Apply online
All eligible families with school aged children
Complete the online application from any device, or in the METCO Headquarters in Nubian Square
Apply during one of the four application windows: fall, winter, spring, or summer
Step 2:
Selection by lottery
At the end of the application period METCO Inc. will conduct a random lottery
Siblings are prioritized but not guaranteed
If students are not selected families are encouraged to reapply
Step 3:
Referral to a school district for consideration
Frequently Asked Questions:
Frequently Asked Questions:
How are students referred to a district?
Students are referred to districts as space becomes available in each grade, in order of lottery or status number.
First, all eligible applicants in each grade level are assigned a number, either through the date of the original sign-up for those with Priority Status or through random lottery.
Then, beginning in February and continuing through September, each of the 33 METCO partner districts determines the available seats in each grade in the coming year.
As requests for students in each grade are received by METCO Headquarters, matching students are referred to districts in order of their number.
Districts may conduct an interview, request a teacher recommendation or discipline records, and/or require an orientation to the district before an offer of admission is made.
Referral to a district is not a guarantee that your student will be enrolled; you may be held on “stand-by” in case of a new slot opening up.
Do Siblings in a current district receive preference to the same district?
Yes, if the guardian indicates that preference, and if space is available in the district in the sibling’s grade. Siblings are not guaranteed a place in METCO.
If I decide not to enroll my student to a district, in the same year can my student be assigned and enrolled into another METCO Program district?
No. Each student can be referred to a maximum of one district per school year.
Can I request a transfer once enrolled?
No. If you choose to withdraw your student from the school where they are enrolled, they are withdrawing from the METCO program. You may apply again the following year to receive a lottery number for potential referral to a district.
What happens if I move out of Boston after my student is enrolled?
If the student is no longer a resident of Boston at any point during their schooling, they are no longer eligible to participate in METCO and must withdraw from the school. They can enroll in a school in the district where they live.
What other school options do I have if I do not enroll in the METCO Program?
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