Worcester Leads Massachusetts With 4 School Turnarounds

Four Worcester elementary schools just proved that struggling students can soar when everyone pulls together.

Columbus Park, Francis J. McGrath, Midland Street, and Worcester Arts Magnet elementary schools earned 2026 Schools of Recognition honors from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Worcester Public Schools landed more of these prestigious spots than any other district in the state.

The designation isn't easy to earn. Schools must show significant progress toward state targets in English and math while ranking above the 20th percentile statewide.

Columbus Park led the charge, meeting or exceeding 98% of its academic targets this year. The school's state accountability score jumped 12 points in one year and 21 points over two years.

McGrath wasn't far behind, hitting 89% of its targets and climbing 21 points over two years. Worcester Arts Magnet met 90% of its goals, while Midland Street achieved 70% and posted steady gains.

"The district provides the vision, curriculum materials, resources, and supports, but the real work is done in the classrooms," Superintendent Brian E. Allen said. Each school tailored its approach to meet students exactly where they were.

At Columbus Park, Principal Lisa Carignan credited a simple philosophy. "Our success starts with a deep belief that all students are capable of achieving great things," she said.

Midland Street Principal Tara Dexter pointed to teamwork as the key. Teachers strengthened their instruction, studied student data together, and adjusted their methods to help individual kids succeed.

The celebrations reflected each school's personality. Some held assemblies and handed out certificates, while others threw in extra recess time as a reward.

The Ripple Effect

These four schools are becoming models for the rest of Worcester's 44 schools. Twenty-one schools across the district improved their accountability scores this year, showing that the momentum is spreading.

The wins come at a crucial time for Worcester students. District-wide test scores remain challenging, with about a quarter of students meeting state expectations in core subjects.

But Allen sees these four schools as proof that progress is possible everywhere. He's set a goal of boosting achievement scores by at least 3 percentage points by June, using the momentum from these success stories.

The mascot from the Worcester Red Sox, Smiley, even showed up to celebrate with students who proved that hard work and belief can change everything.