METCO IS PROPOSING A NEW APPLICATION PROCESS

Your feedback wanted on proposed changes!

For more than 50 years, METCO has enrolled children of color who live in Boston in available seats in racially isolated suburban schools, using a rolling wait list of eligible families. More than 8,000 Boston parents are currently in line for approximately 300 openings per year.

METCO headquarters is proposing a new process that will be more transparent and equitable. The proposed process will give all Boston resident families with school-age children of color equal opportunity to be enrolled in METCO.

Please read below and share your feedback on the online form at the bottom of this page.

Globe
Read about it in the Boston Globe

The current METCO application process vs. proposed process

CURRENT SYSTEM

First come, first served

In the current system, many parents who know about METCO and the waitlist sign their children up as early as the first weeks after birth.

Anyone moving to Boston with older children would have a later position on the wait list.

Parents have to come to METCO headquarters in person during business hours.

Waiting list
  • Advantages people who are socially connected to a specific group
  • Advantages people who have flexible work schedules and a car
  • Disadvantages those with different social networks
  • Disadvantages people who move to Boston when their children are between 0 and 5
PROPOSED SYSTEM

Equal access

Under the proposed new system, applications for all school-age students would be accepted during a designated, well-publicized time of the year.

The applications could be submitted online or in person.

At the end of the submission period, everyone eligible would have an equal chance to be referred to a suburban partner school.

A fair enrollment process would honor everyone who follows procedure and is eligible equally (not based on when they applied).

 

 

Crowd

How the proposed new process would work

Many details would be worked out if the transition goes forward. But here are the basic components:

  • Applications for all school-age students would be accepted during a designated, well-publicized time each year (e.g., October 2 - December 31)
  • Applications could be submitted online or in-person
  • At the end of this period, everyone eligible would have an equal chance to be referred
  • If not accepted, families could re-apply annually and have another, equal chance
  • Siblings would be prioritized if space is available in the enrolled student’s district
PROPOSED TRANSITION

Timeline

  • December 2018: All parents and guardians on the METCO wait list invited to attend Information Sessions which include presentation of proposal and feedback opportunity
  • February 2019: Community Forum open to general public
  • September 2019: Publicity campaign about enrollment window and new system
  • October 2019: Enrollment window for school year 2020-21 opens
  • December 2019: Enrollment window closes
  • January 2020 - September 2020: Randomly selected applicants referred to METCO districts according to open seats available

Questions? Concerns? Suggestions? Applause? Fill out the feedback form and click SUBMIT.