Friday, May 1, 2026
Dear Academic Center for Transition Families,
I hope you are doing well. I am writing to share information about the future of the Academic Center for Transition (ACT) and your child’s school placement for the 2026-27 school year. The Worcester Public Schools (WPS) has made the difficult decision to close ACT at the end of the current school year in June.
The reasons for the decision have to do with fiscal constraints and the need to reduce the duplication of special education services. The decision is not a reflection of the efforts and dedication of the ACT staff, who have done great work to support students. WPS administrators and Human Resources have begun meeting with school staff to support them in finding new positions within WPS.
The Central Massachusetts Collaborative, which is located in the same building as ACT at 14 New Bond Street in Worcester, has pledged to accept students from ACT in 2026-27. There are currently 59 students enrolled at ACT.
In the coming weeks, a member of the Worcester Public Schools Special Education Department will contact you to discuss the process of transferring your child into the Central Massachusetts Collaborative’s Hartwell Learning Center, which serves grades kindergarten through 6. A member of the Special Education Department will meet with you to update the necessary components of your child’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
By moving to the Collaborative, ACT students will continue to attend school in the same building with safe access to indoor and outdoor activities, playspaces, and recreation. Students will continue to have access to robust therapeutic supports and individualized instruction in small-group settings. Class sizes will remain low with a ratio of 8 students to 1 teacher, with additional paraeducators assigned if there are additional students.
The Collaborative will hold open houses (information sessions) later this spring along with individual meetings with all families about the enrollment and transition process through the summer.
We realize this news marks a significant change for students and families. Please be assured that your child will continue to receive high-quality individualized instruction and support at the Collaborative, which has been a trusted partner of WPS for decades. We are here to support you during this transition and can assist you with answering any questions.
If you have questions about next steps for your child, please contact the following:
Jeff Creamer, WPS Director of Culture and Climate
Ellen Kelley, WPS Executive Director of the Doherty Quadrant
WPS Special Education Department by calling 508-799-3093
Central Massachusetts Collaborative at cmassc.org or 508-538-9100
WPS Parent Information Center at worcesterschools.org/enrollment or 508-799-3194
Thank you for your support and shared dedication to the success of students.
Sincerely,
Brian E. Allen
Superintendent
Worcester Public Schools