At Sizer we are intently focused on driving academic achievement for all of our students. We do what it takes to close the achievement gap in North Central Massachusetts and in the past decade have virtually erased the lines of class and culture that sadly hold too many young people back from success in our country.

We fully expect all students to work to their true potential whether they come to school ready for advanced levels of work or needing additional support to get to proficiency. MCAS scores are one way that the school tracks its impact on student achievement. When “true cohorts” of students (those who have been with Sizer since grade 7) are assessed, gains shown in achievement on both the Math and ELA MCAS tests are quite compelling.

In 2012-13 Sizer School, A North Central Charter Essential Schoo, was named as a LEVEL ONE Middle AND High School ~

THE ONLY SCHOOL IN OUR AREA WITH THIS DISTINCTION FOR BOTH MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL

WE'RE STILL #1 IN 2013-14 !

Now with Number 1 Student Growth Scores in the State

Sizer School students continued to demonstrate tremendous achievement on the 2012-13 MCAS tests. NCCES has achieved Level 1 status for the second year in a row having achieved some of the highest scores in the state in most grade levels. Massachusetts’ accountability system, determines a school’s progress by assessing its ability to narrow achievement gaps and move all students to proficiency by 2017. NCCES maintained its Level 1 school status as it has exceeded state targets for student growth and proficiency rates in English Language Arts, Math and Science for all students.

One of the hallmarks of the state’s new accountability system is its ability to assess individual student growth as compared to other students in the grade level across the state. Sizer School 7^th graders had the highest student growth in the entire state with an SPG of 90.5 in the English Language Arts (ELA) test, 95% of tenth grade students achieved proficient and advanced scores and an overall SGP of 84.5 placing the school 7^th in the state for tenth grade ELA. In math, the school’s tenth graders were ranked number three in the state with an SPG of 84.50, and 89% of students performing at proficient or advanced on the test. Sizer placed number one out of all charter schools in the state when student growth is compared to sending district performance in the 10^th grade. Overall in English Language Arts the school is one of the top performing schools in the state achieving both high growth scores and high proficiency rates with an overall student growth percentile of 69.5, and 81% of students scoring proficient or advanced in ELA. In math, Sizer is also outperforming the majority of the schools in the state with an overall student growth percentile of 65.5.

Sizer School’s 2013 MCAS data continued a trend in which the school’s students significantly outperform the state and the school’s largest sending districts in closing the achievement gap. In ELA, the school had a 16 point gap between low income and non-low income test takers compared to the state’s 30 points. In math at Sizer the gap between low income and non-low income test takers was 11 points compared to the state’s 20. By the tenth grade 95% of Sizer test takers are proficient or advanced in ELA and 89% in Math.

We are so very proud of our students and their hard work to grow and improve each year they spend with us at Sizer. Our teachers are committed to doing what it takes to make sure each and every student moves forward and improves each year. Our students are just like the students in other public schools in our area- we serve all kids whether they come to us at grade level or far below, ready for advanced work or needing lots of support. These scores prove that all students no matter who they are or where they come from have the ability to learn and grow. It takes effort and belief in what’s possible.

This success is a tribute to our great teachers, a curriculum focused on the fundamentals of literacy, numeracy and problem solving combined with core values of safety, community, voice, integrity, responsibility and purpose and a mission to send graduates out into the world who can think for themselves, care about others and take creative and responsible action.

Sizer School is a free and public regional charter school, open to all students from all backgrounds, serving students from over 30 towns and cities in North Central Massachusetts. In an analysis of the performance of the districts in the region, Sizer is the only school whereby both the middle and high school achieved level 1 status.

Sizer takes advantage of the rare mix of students from urban, suburban, and rural communities and is committed to ensuring that all students meet high standards. Students themselves are directly involved in their education, setting goals with guidance from teachers and their families and then figuring out how to reach those goals. Sizer is an Essential School, part of a network of more than 1,000 schools around the country that personalize the learning environment through low student-teacher ratios and engage students’ minds through meaningful learning. In recent years the school has reinvented itself in response to student needs identified through internal and external literacy and math assessments. The school personalizes the academic program, providing additional supports and enrichment opportunities to ensure that all students develop the skills needed to be able to think for themselves and reach goals far beyond MCAS targets. Enrollment is by lottery. Please review our calendar for the next upcoming information session.