skip to main contentskip to navigation
METCO
rockets

RMHS METCO Program

Expanding opportunities, building community, and fostering educational equity since 1968.

Every child who attends school in Reading is a METCO student, and every parent or caregiver in Reading is part of the METCO community. WE ARE ALL METCO!

Reading Public Schools recognizes that METCO enriches our entire community by broadening cultural perspectives and creating an inclusive, diverse learning environment for all students.

Mission | To provide students with a strong academic foundation in an inclusive environment while fostering mutual understanding across communities. |

Vision | To lead statewide voluntary integration, help close achievement gaps, and promote long-term educational equity.

rockets

METCO at RMHS

The Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity (METCO) is a voluntary statewide school integration and educational opportunity initiative funded by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Founded in 1966 during the Civil Rights Movement, METCO was designed to:

  • Expand educational opportunities for Boston students.
  • Increase diversity in suburban school districts.
  • Reduce racial isolation by building bridges between communities.

Reading Public Schools has been a proud METCO partner district since 1968.

At RMHS, METCO students are fully integrated into every aspect of high school life:

  • Academics & Electives: Enrolled in regular academic tracks, AP/Honors courses, and electives.
  • Extracurriculars: Active participants in RMHS athletics, clubs, performing arts, and school events.
  • Transportation: Dedicated bus transportation is provided between Boston and Reading, including accommodations for after-school activities so students never miss out.

Local METCO Leadership

Our dedicated administrative team supports METCO students and families throughout their time at RMHS:

  • Jerika Santiago — METCO Director
  • Luc Ulysse — METCO Coordinator

Community & Family Engagement

Friends of Reading METCO (FoRMETCO)

METCO's success relies on strong community partnerships. FoRMETCO is an active community group supporting students and families across the district by:

  • Hosting family bonding and community events.
  • Building lasting connections between Boston and Reading host families.
  • Strengthening the local METCO network across all Reading schools.

Why METCO Matters

  • For Boston Students: Access to top-tier suburban educational resources and expansive extracurricular pathways.
  • For Reading Suburban Students: Daily opportunities to learn alongside peers from diverse backgrounds, preparing everyone for a global society.
  • For the Community: Shared experiences that dismantle barriers, build empathy, and strengthen regional unity.
  • Home