Board of Trustees Member

Our Mission

Our mission is to cultivate within each member of a diverse student body an intense commitment to self and community, the courage and insight to set high standards for academic and personal success, and the knowledge, skills and attitudes to achieve those standards. We do this through a curriculum based on Expeditionary Learning Design Principles.

Who We Are

McAuliffe Regional Charter Public School (McAuliffe) emphasizes high academic achievement to prepare our students for high school, college and careers. We celebrate creativity, critical thinking, and character development, all key components of our school's Expeditionary Learning program.

Our students learn to think critically and creatively as they work cooperatively with their classmates. Whether investigating the geology of western Massachusetts, interviewing scientists, architects and distinguished professors, creating replicas of medieval villages, or writing persuasive essays, students remain engaged in their education in preparation for high school and beyond. Our students are welcoming, kind to others, embrace individuality, and learn to make good choices.

We are a community of dedicated, talented, and professional teachers who partner with families to bring out the best in each child as he or she navigates the challenges of early adolescence. Our teachers embrace academic excellence, as well as social and emotional development Working together to help students learn to be respectful citizens, our goal is to ensure that McAuliffe is MetroWest's best middle school.

Our History

McAuliffe opened in September 2002 as the first charter middle school serving the MetroWest. During the 2005 school year, it became a regional charter school, opening its doors to students from Framingham, Natick, Ashland, Holliston, Sudbury, Southborough, Hopkinton, and Marlborough. Families from other nearby towns also enrolled their children as spaces became available.

The school was named to honor Christa McAuliffe, a native of Framingham, graduate of Framingham State College, accomplished teacher, and astronaut. Her life exemplified the values of adventure and discovery, and her legacy illustrates for young people that with training and teamwork we can overcome challenges that would otherwise seem insurmountable.

What's New at McAuliffe?

This is an exciting time to get involved! In January 2012, the Massachusetts Commissioner of Education announced his intention to renew the school's charter through 2017. During the next six months, the school is engaging in a comprehensive strategic planning process in order to name goals for the next five years. Currently, the board of trustees and school leaders are focusing efforts on becoming a national model for an Expeditionary Learning middle school, expanding the size of the school, and relocating to a facility that will support the school's mission and growth.

Board Membership – Join McAuliffe Now!

McAuliffe is seeking new board members to participate in the school's growth and strategic planning.

What Makes a Great McAuliffe Board Member? – Prospective board members would ideally possess many of the following qualities:

• Commitment to the long-term future of McAuliffe Regional Charter Public School
• Support of Expeditionary Learning as an exemplary educational model
• Understanding of, and commitment to, Metro West Communities
• Support of charter schools as an integral method of education reform
• Ability to evaluate alternatives and make informed and timely decisions
• Strong communication skills and an ability to work in teams
• Expertise in finance, development, education, human resources, and community relations are preferred, but not required.

Why Serve on the McAuliffe Board? – In general, board service is a highly rewarding endeavor. Serving on the McAuliffe board offers some exciting benefits:

• Opportunity to secure the long-term future of McAuliffe, a highly-regarded and unique educational option within Massachusetts
• Ability to participate in transformative growth as McAuliffe partners with Expeditionary Learning and the Achievement Network to marry hands-on learning with high-stakes testing
• Opportunity to influence the selection of a new long-term home for McAuliffe
• Chance to work with exceptional educational leaders and committed board members