Massachusetts Academy of Math & Science

Story

Located in Worcester, Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Academy of Math and Science at WPI (Mass Academy/MAMS/MAMAS) was founded in 1992 by the Massachusetts State Legislature as a public, non-residential magnet school to serve academically advanced youth in grades eleven and twelve in math, science, and technology.The school emphasizes math and science within a comprehensive, interactive program. The rigor of the junior year classes exceeds high school honors and AP, with more than 1200 hours of instruction. Seniors complete a year of college, taking the same classes as other students at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. WPI is a nationally ranked engineering school, thus making the Academy the only public school in Massachusetts whose students attend a university full-time as seniors in high school. The Academy was originally located in the sub-basement of WPI's library, but is now located nearby at 85 Prescott Street, near the WPI bioengineering complex.The Academy is a collaborative effort among the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, and the high schools of Massachusetts. In addition to passing all classes, the Academy also requires that all students complete 50 hours of community service per year.AdmissionsStudents who want to attend the Academy must apply in the sophomore year of high school, although some exceptions have been made. For example, an occasional freshmen has entered the Academy in what would have been his/her sophomore year at their "sending" school. Othertimes, high school juniors have elected to repeat their eleventh grade at the Academy.The admissions process is very selective. Grades, teacher recommendations, personal essay, and the academy exam serve as the primary indicators of student ability and motivation.In 1992, the requirements for entry into the academy required a minimum of 1 years advanced in math and/or science and 2 years ahead in one of the subjects. The admissions process has been changed to the above so this is no longer required; however, only 1/6 of the self-selected group of applicants are offered admission.