Question 1

Is METCO right for my child?

Accepted Answer

METCO’s purpose is school integration. Boston students will be among a relatively small number of students of color in a school with a predominantly white student body and faculty. The long commutes can be challenging for children and make being an engaged parent more demanding than it already would be. Read the METCO Parent Agreement for more information.

Yet, the advantages are also real: excellent resources and quality of teaching, skills in navigating a multicultural world, and lifelong friendships.

Make an informed decision about what is right for your child.

Question 2

Can I choose which district I want my child to attend?

Accepted Answer

You may select up to three METCO partner districts and rank them in order of preference. Then, if your top preference requests a student in your child’s grade and your lottery number is up,  you will be referred to that district.

You may also choose the METCO Program as a district choice allowing your child to be considered for placement in any one of our 33 district partners based on their seat availability.

Question 3

Is transportation provided from Boston to the suburban districts?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but only to limited bus stops in Boston (primarily Mattapan, Dorchester, and Roxbury).

Each district arranges its own bus route, and families are responsible for bringing students to a bus stop and picking them up when they return.

Question 4

Can I request a transfer once enrolled?

Accepted Answer

No.

METCO does not transfer students between districts once they are enrolled.
For enrolled students to be considered for admissions in any other town, the enrolled student must completely withdraw from the METCO program by unenrolling from the current METCO partner school district, and then apply during the next application cycle.

Question 5

Do siblings of current METCO students receive preference for enrollment at the same district?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

What happens if I move out of Boston after my student is enrolled?

Accepted Answer

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.

ENROLLMENT FAQ