The Metropolitan Council for 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. Concord Public Schools and Concord-Carlisle High School educated 120 METCO students. Alcott Elementary School typically has 50 Boston students; 30 Boston students at Concord Middle School and 40 students at Concord-Carlisle High School. 

What is a Family Friend?
K-12 families in Boston, Concord, and Carlisle have the opportunity to establish deeper and long-lasting family friend relationships, where the spirit is one of cooperating and sharing rather than of guest and host. By volunteering to be a METCO Family Friend, the Concord or Carlisle family helps to communicate information regarding school programs and schedules and is a familiar contact at school meetings and social events during the transition to a new community for a Boston student and their family. Boston families provide Concord and Carlisle families with a new link to the City of Boston, offering a diverse set of cultural and life experiences to share.

What does the Family Friend commitment entail?
There are three elements of the program. Please note these are not mandatory!
1. Monthly Play Dates (early release day): Once a month, on an early release Wednesday, there is a 3PM late bus from Alcott to Boston, providing an opportunity for Boston and Concord buddies to have an afternoon play date.

2. Special Events: Events such as a field day, apple picking, trampoline park, bowling, ice skating, and an ice cream social!

3. Other Opportunities: Participation in school activities and events, with an opportunity to provide transportation, a meal, or even a sleepover!

If you have questions or need more information about METCO Family Friends, please contact Concord Public Schools METCO Director Solange Benjamin, or Concord-Carlisle High School METCO Director Malinthi Fernando.