Billerica, under the supervision of Superintendent of Schools Robert J Calabrese, has one high school, two middle schools, and six elementary schools, with a total enrollment of approximately 6700 students.

Educational opportunities include a system extensive Technology Program, a nationally recognized elementary "Hands-On-Science" Program, a comprehensive Health Education Program, and BEAM (Billerica Early Assistance Model) for high risk infants and toddlers.

As one considers learning beyond high school level, you need only travel a few miles to Middlesex Community College, The University of Massachusetts in Lowell, or Northeastern University Extension in Burlington. Colleges like Babson, Bentley, and Merrimack to the north, and Boston University, Boston College and others in Boston and surrounding areas are also easily accessible.

Once again, community involvement becomes a part of the education process as evidenced by several important local groups who make major contributions.

Billerica Scholarship Foundation, an affiliate of the Dollars for Scholars Program, raises funds to provide scholarships for students residing within Billerica town limits. Students receiving their awards are eligible for a matching grant program. Information is available through the Treasurer's Office.

Partners for Education (978-436-9515), founded in 1991 to bring the public school faculty together with the business and corporate community leaders to support countless classroom projects, each year raises money from its "Elementary School Talent Show" and the "Fight for Education", which results in awards of thousands of dollars in grants for ideas and programs that can be replicated throughout the school system.

Middlesex Community College, the largest community college in the Commonwealth with campuses in Bedford and Lowell, offers 76 degree and certificate programs in Health, Human Services, Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Technologies, as well as postgraduate programs, hundreds of noncredit courses, and many professional development opportunities. Many area companies also take advantage of customized training offered through their Business and Industry Program and the new Middlesex Technology Institute. It partners with more than 30 schools as well as many area businesses and other organizations to help them bring exceptional programs to their communities. Middlesex also sponsors unique, free international fellowships annually for selected students. Visit their website www.middlesex.cc.ma.us.

Shawsheen Valley Technical High School services students from Billerica as well as Bedford, Burlington, Tewksbury and Wilmington. Its goal is to educate young people for the new and emerging occupations of the twenty-first century.

Its educational programs include career preparation, work experience, and academic classes which are structured to help students earn a high school diploma while preparing them for employment and postsecondary education. Students alternate weeks of academic classes with weeks of technical preparation in laboratory settings replicating the workplace. There are 18 vocational-technical programs: Auto Body, Automotive Technology, Business Information Services, Carpentry, Commercial Art & Design, Computer Aided Drafting & Design, Cosmetology, Culinary Arts (with a Bakery specialty), Diesel Mechanics, Electrical, Electronics, Graphic Arts, Health Technology, Internet Technology, Machine Technology, Masonry, Metal Fabrication and Plumbing & Heating. Ninth graders spend time exploring at least a dozen career options before they finally choose a specialty.

With hundreds of computers throughout the building, cutting edge technology, the latest equipment, a staff of technology-savvy teachers and an advisory group representing a variety of industries, Shawsheen is prepared to meet the education needs of youth with a variety of learning styles and goals. Most students go to work after graduation, but many seek higher education, sometimes using skills they have learned to pay for college.

Sports and extracurricular activities are important aspects of the Shawsheen experience. Boys, girls and co-ed teams offer a wide variety of athletic programs. There are about two dozen extracurricular activities, including peer leadership, National Honor Society, community service projects, dances and proms, student newspaper and yearbook, and student recognition programs, including Skills USA-VICA, which allows students to compete on district, state, and national levels in vocational-technical and leadership categories.

Billerica Partners for Education

Thomas Ditson Elementary School
978-436-9530

Eugene C Vining Elementary School
978-436-9580

Frederick J Dutile Elementary School
978-436-9540

Cyril D Locke Middle School
978-436-9420

Hajjar Elementary School
978-436-9550

Dr Orland S Marshall Middle
School 978-436-9440

John F Kennedy Elementary School
978-436-9560

Billerica Memorial High School
978-436-9310

Parker Elementary School
978-436-9570

Next Topic

Previous Topic