MEC - Alternative Education

Merrimack Middle School
The Merrimack Middle School provides a small academic setting with social-emotional and academic support for students in grades 6-8. Utilizing behavior modification, reality therapy and a normative approach to changing behavior as well as a daily point system, students address their individual goals, while learning new ways to deal with the issues that are preventing progress in their larger sending schools.

All academics are aligned to the Massachusetts state frameworks, while addressing each student’s accommodations and modifications as outlined on their individualized education plans.

Age/Grade Range:
Grades 6 - 8
Program Location:
114 Turnpike Road, Chelmsford
Program Hours:
8:00 am - 2:00 pm, Monday through Friday
School Year:
September through June, separate 6 week summer program available (summer hours: 8:15 am - 2:15 pm)
Additional Services:
Outdoor education, MCAS PREP, cooking, weekly access to fitness gym, group counseling, anger management, onflict resolution, and Parent Advisory Council
Referral Process/Contact:
Initial contact from SPED Director, followed by referral packet sent to:
Merrimack Middle School Program Director
114 Turnpike Road
Chelmsford, MA 01824
978-256-9997

Merrimack Middle School Extension Program
The Merrimack School Extension Program is geared towards Middle School students diagnosed with Aspergers, PDD or who are experiencing sensory issues along the Autism Spectrum. Typically, these students are experiencing a great deal of social-emotional turmoil in their current school settings, affecting their overall academic functioning. Although meant for students in grades 6-8, the program has also been successful with 9th grade students who are functioning on a lower level either socially and/or academically.

The Extension Program utilizes Applied Behavioral Analysis with a behavior modification level system, allowing the staff to develop a highly individualized behavior plan for each student. The Extension Program students participate, with the Middle School, for break time, lunchtime and off-grounds trips. In addition, students in the program receive OT, PT and Speech and Language services on an individualized basis.

Age/Grade Range:
Grades 6 – 8 (Grade 9 considered)
Program Location:
114 Turnpike Road, Chelmsford
Program Hours:
8:00 am - 2:00 pm, Monday through Friday
School Year:
September through June, with a 6 week summer program included (summer hours: 8:15 am - 2:15 pm)
Additional Services:
Outdoor education, MCAS PREP, cooking, weekly access to fitness gym, anger management groups, conflict resolution groups, social skills training, OT, PT, Speech and Language services, and Parent Advisory Council
Referral Process/Contact:
Initial contact from SPED Director, followed by referral packet sent to:
Merrimack Middle School Program Director
114 Turnpike Road
Chelmsford, MA 01824
978-256-9997

Merrimack School 45-Day Assessment Program
The Merrimack School 45-Day Assessment program assists in determining interventions that will help students increase their ability to perform successfully within an educational setting. Psychosocial needs are assessed in order to develop a plan of intervention for schools, while also addressing therapeutic needs relative to each student. Formal and informal assessments are conducted, and include a functional behavioral analysis. At the end of the 45 day placement, a written report is presented at a team meeting where intervention strategies are discussed, as well as descriptions of the type of educational setting that will best meet the students needs.

The sending school is responsible for providing the information regarding each student’s academic courses. A checklist for the sending schools to complete prior to a students placement is provided upon referral.

Age/Grade Range:
Grades 7 – 12 (Grade 6 considered on individual basis)
Program Location:
114 Turnpike Road, Chelmsford
Program Hours:
8:00 am - 2:00 pm, Monday through Friday
School Year:
September through June; Assessment up to forty-five school days
Additional Services:
Outdoor education component, weekly access to fitness gym, group counseling, conflict resolution/anger management, collateral agency contact as needed
Referral Process/Contact:
Initial contact from SPED Director, followed by referral packet sent to:
Merrimack School Assessment Coordinator
114 Turnpike Road
Chelmsford, MA 01824
978-256-9997

Merrimack Alternative High Schools
The Merrimack Alternative High Schools provide a high school setting for special education students, utilizing concepts based on a Reality Therapy model that holds students responsible for their actions through natural consequences and peer group feedback.

In addition to academics, students also are given the opportunity to participate in outdoor education, technology education, field trips, and community service (current placements include Walden Pond, homeless shelters and classrooms for children who are developmentally and physically challenged).

Students at the high school are enrolled in classes that prepare them for graduation. The goal of the high school is to prepare students to return to public school setting when appropriate.

Age/Grade Range:
Grades 9 – 12
Program Location:
114 Turnpike Road, Chelmsford
Program Hours:
8:00 am - 2:00 pm, Monday through Friday
School Year:
September through June; Assessment up to forty-five school days
Additional Services:
Outdoor education component, weekly access to fitness gym, group counseling, conflict resolution/anger management, collateral agency contact as needed.
Referral Process/Contact:
Initial contact from SPED Director, followed by referral packet sent to:
Merrimack High School Program Director
114 Turnpike Road
Chelmsford, MA 01824
978-256-9997

Merrimack Vocational Alternative High School
The Merrimack Vocational Alternative High School provides a high school setting for alternative education students who are interested in gaining vocational training in addition to academics. This program utilizes concepts based on a Reality Therapy model that holds students responsible for their actions through natural consequences and peer group feedback.

In addition to academics, students also are given the opportunity to participate in outdoor education, technology education, woodshop, field trips, community service and specialized, interest specific, vocational training opportunities. Students develop specialized trade skills and independent life management skills through vocational shops and/or community-based work experiences.

Age/Grade Range:
Grades 9 - 12
Program Location:
80 Brick Kiln Road, Chelmsford
84 Brick Kiln Road, Chelmsford
248 Boston Road, Topsfield
Program Hours:
8:00 am - 2:00 pm, Monday through Friday
School Year:
September through June, separate 6 week summer program available (summer hours: 8:15 am - 2:15 pm)
Additional Services:
Outdoor education, woodshop, cooking, artist-in-residence, weekly access to fitness gym, group counseling, anger management, conflict resolution, and Parent Advisory Council.
Referral Process/Contact:
Initial contact from SPED Director, followed by referral packet sent to:
Merrimack High School Program Manager
84 Brick Kiln Road
Chelmsford, MA 01824
978-459-8711