Merrimack Middle School

The Merrimack Middle School therapeutic alternativeday program provides a middle school setting for young adolescents who have not been able to meet the day-to-day demands of a traditional school setting, despite significant local special education programming and supports. Additionally, they do not possess the necessary skills to manage the emotional, social, physical, academic and behavioral demands of such institutions.

“Teachers help me emotionally because they talk to me personally.”

~ Student

All students enrolled have demonstrated difficult yprogressing in a regular educational setting due tosignificant 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

Age 11-15/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

30 day summer program

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