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Grafton board approves 2026–27 GHS program of studies with expanded electives and new honors placement rules
Summary
The Grafton School Committee approved the Grafton High School program of studies for 2026–27 after a presentation outlining expanded electives, streamlined career pathways (MyCAP), and a new three‑tier honors placement process; changes respond to reduced early‑college seats and DESE graduation guidance.
The Grafton School Committee approved the Grafton High School program of studies for the 2026–27 school year after a presentation from Principal Tracy Kalo, Director of Counseling Sharon Buckley and Assistant Principal Anthony Di Benedetto.
School leaders said departments began reviewing course offerings in December and focused on expanding electives, adjusting career pathways under the district’s MyCAP framework, and accommodating a drop in early‑college seats from partner institutions. "We've done all of that homework," Buckley said, adding the revisions streamline existing recognition pathways and make them more achievable and equitable.
The program sets a new, three‑tier honors placement process presented by Di Benedetto: a student may qualify automatically if they meet two of three criteria that include practice completion of 90% or higher, a current grade threshold in related courses (90 in college‑prep or 80 in honors), or STAR assessment results indicating they exceed expectations. "If a student meets 2 out of 3 of those, then it's a conversation with the student and the counselor, and the teacher," Di Benedetto said. He also described course adjustments: alternating AP macroeconomics and AP microeconomics (replacing a QCC macro course), adding AP Computer Science Principles, introducing a personal writing elective and a student‑centered reading course, and new math offerings including a semester course, Topics in Algebra, and financial math. The district will partner with Worcester State University to offer an asynchronously taught general psychology course.
Presenters said MyCAP work will begin in grade 8 and continue through high school with structured counseling check‑ins and a capstone that ties discovery, planning and action. They noted a reduction in early‑college seats owing to partner shortages but said the district will keep some offerings through QCC and Worcester State.
A school committee member moved to approve the program as presented; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote. The approved program will be posted on the district website.
Next steps: the new program of studies will be posted online and implemented in course scheduling for the 2026–27 master schedule.
