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Representatives of Masters Academy International present plan; committee to consider approval under Massachusetts statute
Summary
Masters Academy International representatives described a for‑profit boarding/day school model, partnerships with Cognita, a curriculum combining sports specialization and academics, and an investment figure cited for renovations; the superintendent said he will recommend action at the next meeting after statutory review under MGL Chapter 76 §1.
Representatives of Masters Academy International (MAI) presented to the Nashoba Regional School Committee on April 8 seeking the committee’s approval to operate a private school within the district under Massachusetts law.
Andrew Williams, MAI’s head of school, described an educational model that pairs rigorous academics with sports specialization and a "non‑playing sport major" track (sports medicine, sports psychology, sports marketing and management). Williams said MAI plans a daily academic schedule with four to five hours of sports specialization, a personal development curriculum, and partnerships with universities to offer college‑level pathways for sport‑related majors.
Rich Odell, MAI’s managing director, said MAI is partnering with Cognita, an international education group, and cited roughly $103 million invested so far in renovating the site. Odell described an initial capacity of about 300 students (200 boarding, 100 day) with plans to grow in future years.
Committee members pressed MAI about accreditation, financial stability and special‑education services. MAI said it is pursuing accreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (a multi‑year process). On Cognita, committee members asked about past school closures in the U.K.; MAI representatives acknowledged Cognita had closed some schools in the past in response to changing market conditions in England and said Cognita’s current leadership and local investment reflect a long‑term commitment to the U.S. project.
On special education, MAI described a model built on multi‑tiered systems of support (RTI / MTSS), noting hires including a psychologist and academic interventionists. District staff clarified that when a private school is located within district boundaries, the home district retains certain responsibilities for evaluation and transportation for Massachusetts resident students.
Superintendent Kirk Downing and Assistant Superintendent Laura Friend said they had reviewed MAI’s packet and would provide a formal recommendation at the next meeting; Downing said he would "enthusiastically recommend" approval when the committee next votes after statutory review under MGL Chapter 76 §1 (approval of private schools when instruction equals public schools in thoroughness and efficiency).
Next steps: The committee will not vote April 8; staff will continue statutory review and return a recommendation at the next meeting for the committee’s formal action.
