The Merrimack Middle School

A powerful dropout prevention program that assists younger adolescents in achieving academic success and fostering their social-emotional well-being while addressing the issues that have led to being placed out of their sending town. The Merrimack Middle School utilizes both a behavior modification program and Reality Therapy model to address emotional and behavioral needs. Individual plans for students are also developed to address specific disabilities/diagnoses.

All students enrolled have demonstrated difficulty progressing in a regular educational setting due to significant learning disabilities, social/emotional issues, behavioral issues, organizational issues and/or attention difficulties. In order to make academic progress, students are in need of an alternative academic setting that can offer them the accommodations necessary for them to reach their greatest potential.

The Merrimack Middle School has a strong therapeutic component due to the presenting emotional/behavioral issues of the student. Each student is assigned an advisor and works with that advisor on a variety of areas such as anger management, communication skills, personal hygiene, substance abuse issues, family issues and transition planning. This work is done individually as well as in groups.

Age/Grade Range

Grades 6 – 8

Program Location

114 Turnpike Road, Chelmsford , MA

Program Hours

8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Monday through Friday

School Year

September through June

Additional Services

Outdoor educational trips

Small, structured environment (6:1)

Combination of behavior modification system and aReality Therapy Model

Coping skills

Anger Management Strategies

MCAS Prep

PT, SLP and Counseling

Social skills training

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
978-528-7814