Choose a school

All school-age children who live in Massachusetts are entitled to attend a public school free of charge and all children between the ages of 6 and 16 must attend school. Not only can you find information on public schools here, but you will find information on private schools, charter schools, vocational technical schools, and other school choices.  


Guidelines for choosing an after school program

After School and Out of School Time programs are center-based programs that serve children at least five years old and under fourteen years old (and children with disabilities under sixteen years old). A quality program can play an important role in your child’s social, emotional and brain development. Find out what to look for when choosing a program.


Search for early education and after school programs

Only Early Education and Care ( EEC) licensed programs will appear in your search results. Some programs are EEC license exempt and will not appear. If a program you are searching for does not appear in your search results, call the EEC regional licensing office for your area to confirm whether the program is EEC licensed to operate.

Early intervention

Early Intervention (EI) in Massachusetts is a statewide, integrated developmental service available to families of children between birth and three years of age. Children may be eligible for EI if they have developmental difficulties due to identified disabilities, or if typical development is at risk due to certain birth or environmental circumstances.

Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS)

Designed to meet the requirements of the Education Reform Law of 1993, this series of standardized tests is administered by the Massachusetts Department of Education. Students must pass the grade 10 tests in English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics as one condition of eligibility for a high school diploma.

Family and community involvement in education

Find resources to help parents and community members get involved in the education process.

Student and family support

Here you will find all kinds of support from academically advanced education to safe and healthy environments.  


Tutoring and mentoring resources

Additional resources that supplement classwork can enhance comprehension and learning. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education offers various innovative approaches to help link students with these resources.

Learning support services

The Learning Support Services (LSS) unit works in partnership with educators, schools, students, families, and other partners across the Commonwealth to promote a comprehensive and collaborative approach to developing all students' academic, social, emotional, and physical competencies.

Assessment and accountability

Information on MCAS, school and district accountability and assistance, compliance/monitoring, and the No Child Left Behind act.

Quality assurance and problem resolutions

Program Quality Assurance Services (PQA) implements the Department's compliance monitoring and complaint management procedures for school districts, charter schools, educational collaboratives, and approved public and private day and residential special education schools and provides technical assistance to school personnel and the public regarding the implementation of laws and regulations.


Parent and community education and involvement

The Parent and Community Education and Involvement Advisory Council.


FREE: Federal Resources for Educational Excellence

Lesson plans and teaching resources including animations, primary documents, photos and videos from the federal government and federal agencies.

Financial aid for childhood education

Information on financial assistance for early education and care, alternative education grants and funding, homeless education assistance, and more.