Message from the Director

My name is Renee Smith and I am delighted to serve as the METCO Director for another school year. It is my desire to ensure that parents and guardians have access to as much information as possible to enhance the academic success of each and every METCO student enrolled with Braintree Public Schools.

We are one of the smallest METCO Programs with only 29 students. There are 18 families.

My goal is to strengthen the partnership between you and your child’s school to achieve academic success. I believe that parent engagement is the key to success. However, the school and parents must work together to accomplish this goal. I am happy to be your connection between school and home.

As the Director, I will work to support the students academically, socially and emotionally. I believe in the potential of every student. I strongly believe in open communication and a home and school connection. As we take on new challenges and continue to meet new goals, we will surely accomplish our shared vision together of becoming the leader in education where every child succeeds in the Braintree METCO Program.

Feel free to contact me directly with any questions you may have.

Warm Regards,
Renee Smith, MSL

History

METCO was developed in 1965 with the goal of addressing racial isolation. In 1968 Braintree became one of seven suburban schools to accept students from Boston.

Mission

Educational Opportunity, Inc. (METCO) provides students with a strong academic foundation rich in cultural, educational, ethnic, socioeconomic, and racial diversity and fosters the opportunity for children from Boston and from neighboring suburbs to develop a deeper understanding of each other in an integrated public school setting.

Vision

The Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity, Inc. (METCO) strives to be a leader in voluntary school integration within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and across the nation to promote school diversity, close the achievement gap, and overcome racial barriers.

Values

We respect people, value a multi-racial society, and are committed to inclusion and educational equity.

We believe in the effectiveness of a cohesive and welcoming collaborative environment.
We maintain open and transparent decision-making processes.
We strive to be exceptional in all that we do by establishing and achieving high academic, social and emotional expectations.
We work to keep students central to our mission.

Accomplishments

The METCO program has raised student achievement scores, enhanced graduation levels and fostered college attendance for Boston and Springfield students of color since 1966. In turn, it has brought an integrated learning experience to predominantly white student populations in suburban classrooms.

College Attendance Rates

METCO students attend college at nearly the same rate as their suburban classmates.

Ten percent more METCO graduates attend college than the statewide average.
METCO students select four-year, degree-granting colleges nearly twice as often as their friends and neighbors attending Boston schools.