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The 2025-26 school year marks an important milestone for the Central Massachusetts Collaborative as we celebrate 50 years of serving students, families and school districts
throughout the region.
The Collaborative was established in 1975 when Webster Public Schools and Worcester Public Schools joined together to create the Central Massachusetts Special Education Collaborative. The goal was straightforward: provide high-quality educational and therapeutic services that individual districts could not easily offer on their own.
Over the next five decades, that mission expanded alongside the needs of students and member districts. Oxford Public Schools joined the Collaborative in 2020, further strengthening the partnership among member communities.
While much has changed since 1975, the focus has remained the same. Every decision, program and service has centered on helping students build the academic, social, behavioral and vocational skills needed to succeed.
The organization has evolved significantly over the years. It has operated from several locations throughout Central Massachusetts, changed its name from the Central Massachusetts Special Education Collaborative to the Central Massachusetts Collaborative in 2016, and moved into its current home at 14 New Bond St. in Worcester in August 2017.
CMC's programs have also grown to meet emerging needs. The THRIVE Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Program welcomed its first students during the 2014-15 school year and has since become an important resource for students requiring intensive behavioral supports. In September 2015, Rockdale Recovery High School opened its doors, creating a unique educational environment for students in recovery.
Today, the Central Massachusetts Collaborative serves students ages 5 through 22 and employs more than 150 educators, clinicians, administrators and support professionals. Together, they provide specialized instruction, therapeutic services, transition planning, vocational opportunities and individualized supports that help students achieve meaningful success both in school and beyond.
Reaching 50 years provides an opportunity to recognize the people who have made this work possible. Generations of teachers, paraprofessionals, clinicians, administrators, transportation staff, member district leaders, families and community partners have contributed to the Collaborative's success. Most importantly, thousands of students have shaped CMC's story through their determination, resilience and accomplishments.
This anniversary also arrives during a period of significant growth. Following recent changes to educational programming in Worcester, the Collaborative is preparing to welcome many new students and families in the coming school year. As CMC expands to meet those needs, the organization remains guided by the same purpose that inspired its founding 50 years ago: providing students with the support, opportunities and individualized services they need to reach their full potential.
As we celebrate this milestone, we thank everyone who has been part of the Central Massachusetts Collaborative's journey over the last five decades. We look forward to continuing this work and building on that foundation for years to come.