Schools and Education
WESTFIELD SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Westfield is a PK-12 community school district with an elected seven member school committee with the mayor serving as chair-person. The school committee meets every first and third Monday at City Hall, 59 Court Street, at 7:00 P.M. All meetings are televised on local cable channel 15 and are open to the public, with the exception of executive sessions when legal matters are discussed.
EARLY CHILDHOOD
The Fort Meadow Early Childhood Center services children between the ages of 3 and 5. Fort Meadow has a rolling registration policy based on availability. The school has both half day and full day programs, meeting the needs of students with and without disabilities.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Our elementary schools follow the same academic and social curriculum, providing instruction for students in grades K-5. In addition to units of study in Math, Science, Literacy, and Social Studies, our elementary schools also participate in Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS). PBIS is a framework that allows students to learn and practice expectations for being members of their school communities. Each elementary school has a special charm that comes from the development of the community of students, families, and staff members that work together. To be eligible to attend kindergarten, children must be five years of age on or before September 1.
Students in grades 6-8, students join our middle schools where they work on teams with groups of teachers. Middle school offers students the opportunity to continue with instruction in the core academic areas as well as opening advanced pathways for students that excel in both math and language. Students that meet the criteria for enrollment can take Algebra I and Spanish I in grade 8, allowing them additional course opportunities at the high schools.
HIGH SCHOOLS
Westfield Public Schools has two high schools, Westfield High School (WHS) and Westfield Technical Academy (WTA), serving students in grades 9-12. Our high schools prepare students for college and career success and life long learning. Students are able to participate in job shadows, internships, work studies, and cooperative education placements. Students are also able to take advantage of Advanced Placement courses as well as Dual Enrollment opportunities with local colleges and universities including American International College, Holyoke Community College, Springfield Technical Community College, and Westfield State University.
Students attending Westfield Technical Academy participate in an Exploratory Process to select from 12 Career Technical Programs including Allied Health, Automotive Technology, Business Technology, Collision Technology, Construction Technology, Culinary Arts, Electrical Wiring, Graphic Communications, Horticulture Technology, Information Technology, Manufacturing Technology, and our new Aviation Maintenance Technology Program. WTA’s Federal Aviation Administration certified program is one of only three in the United States for high school students.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Students in Westfield Schools have access to Chorus, Band, Art, Health, Technology, and Physical Education opportunities. Middle and high school students may also participate in Intramurals, Wright Flight, Drama Club, Yearbook, and Student Council. High school students options expand to include National Honor Society, Key Club, Quiz Team, Debate Club, Math Club, Art Club, Skills USA, and Conservation Club, to name a few.
ATHLETICS
Westfield Public Schools has a proud athletics tradition. Participation in athletics is a vital part of a student’s educational experience. Such participation is a privilege that carries with it the responsibility to oneself, the team, the school and the community. The athletic program provides opportunities to help students acquire confidence, self-esteem, and discipline. Through athletics participation, the qualities of pride, sportsmanship, leadership, respect, and maturity can be developed.