Westwood’s participation in METCO dates back to the origins of the program, rooted in the desegregation efforts of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. Westwood’s membership as a METCO district reflects the community’s long-standing belief that students learn better when they learn with each other.

For many years, our School Committee, educators, and families have discussed how to more fully integrate Boston students into our school community. One proposal would restructure Westwood’s METCO program to enable younger students to enroll. Of the 33 METCO districts, Westwood is one of just three without an elementary cohort. Enhancing diversity in our 

elementary classrooms will provide young students exposure to other cultures and the ability to engage with classmates that may have varied perspectives. 

Now, the state legislature has voted to increase the funding allocated to METCO in FY22, and the state Education Department and METCO Headquarters has earmarked a portion of this increase to support expansion of the program.

This is an exciting opportunity for Westwood.  Given the availability of state support, the strong level of local community interest, and the district’s strategic priorities, the time is right to grow Westwood’s METCO program.