Westford Public Schools

Westford Public Schools
Name	Westford Public Schools
Type	Public
Location	Westford, Massachusetts
Country	United States
Superintendent	Christopher Chew
Schools	11
Budget	$85.6 million (FY2024)
Students	5,400 (approx.)
Staff	800 (approx.)

Westford Public Schools is the public school district serving the town of Westford, Massachusetts. Operating under the jurisdiction of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the district manages a comprehensive K–12 educational system across multiple campuses. It is governed by an elected Westford School Committee and is recognized for its high academic performance within Middlesex County, Massachusetts.

History

The district's origins trace to the early 18th century with the establishment of one-room schoolhouses, such as the historic Westford Academy building, which was founded through a bequest from Reverend William H. G. Carter. The modern centralized system began to form in the mid-20th century as the town's population grew, influenced by the post-war expansion of Route 495 (Massachusetts) and the rise of the High-tech industry in the Greater Boston region. Significant consolidation occurred in the 1960s and 1970s, leading to the construction of several current facilities. The district has since undergone periodic renovations and expansions, including major upgrades to Westford Academy and the implementation of full-day Kindergarten programs, aligning with reforms from the Massachusetts Education Reform Act of 1993.

Schools

The district comprises eleven schools, including one early childhood center, five elementary schools, three middle schools, and one high school. Elementary education is provided by the Abbot School, Crisafulli School, Day School, Miller School, and Robinson School. The Blanchard Memorial School serves as the district's early childhood center. Middle school students attend the John A. Crisafulli Middle School, Stony Brook School, or the Colonel John Robinson Middle School. Secondary education is anchored by Westford Academy, a public high school operating under an academy charter since 1792, which also houses the Westford Academy School of Distinction for advanced studies. The district also operates the Westford Integrated Preschool for special education and inclusive programming.

Academics and programs

The curriculum adheres to the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and prepares students for the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS). The district offers a robust selection of Advanced Placement courses and has a partnership with Middlesex Community College (Massachusetts) for dual enrollment opportunities. Specialized programs include the STEM Academy at Westford Academy, world language instruction beginning in elementary grades, and extensive arts education supported by the Westford Friends of Music and Westford Cultural Council. The district also maintains strong athletic and extracurricular programs, competing in the Dual County League and offering clubs ranging from Robotics to Model United Nations.

Demographics

For the 2023-2024 school year, the district enrolled approximately 5,400 students. The demographic composition, as reported to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, is approximately 65% White, 25% Asian, 5% Hispanic or Latino, and 3% Black or African American, with the remainder identifying as two or more races. The student population includes a significant number of children from families employed in the technology and research sectors near the Route 128 and Interstate 495 corridors. Approximately 8% of students are classified as English Language Learners, and about 6% qualify for services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Administration and funding

The district is led by Superintendent Christopher Chew and is overseen by the elected Westford School Committee, which sets policy and approves the annual budget. Operational management is handled by assistant superintendents for finance, curriculum, and human resources. Primary funding is derived from local property taxes, with additional revenue from the state through the Chapter 70 aid formula and grants from the Massachusetts School Building Authority. The FY2024 operating budget is approximately $85.6 million. Supplemental support is provided by organizations like the Westford Education Foundation and various parent-teacher associations.

Notable alumni

Notable individuals who attended schools within the district include NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Anne Hull of *The Washington Post*, Major League Baseball player Chris Capuano, and technology executive Padmasree Warrior, former Chief Technology Officer of Cisco Systems. In academia, alumnus Dr. Robert Langer, an institute professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, is a renowned pioneer in Biotechnology and Biomedical engineering.

Category:School districts in Massachusetts Category:Education in Middlesex County, Massachusetts Category:Westford, Massachusetts