Who We Are
Friends of Reading METCO is an independent 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to helping Reading's METCO students make the most of the educational opportunities provided by the Reading Public Schools and the METCO program. We are an all-volunteer group of parents from both Reading and Boston bringing together Boston and Reading families from all 8 schools in the Reading Public Schools district.
Our Mission
FORMETCO is committed to making connections between the Reading and Boston communities, building authentic lifelong relationships, providing resources to support METCO students and families, and increasing our visibility within the Reading community.
Friends of Reading METCO strives to host 4 events every school year in both Boston and Reading. Past events have included back-to-school events in the fall, brunch prior to the Festival of Trees at Parker Middle School in December, parent/caregiver social events, and end of year celebrations. We also partner with other organizations in Reading to co-host or participate in events to deepen connections with our Boston families.
What is METCO?
METCO stands for Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity. METCO is a program funded by the state of Massachusetts to expand educational opportunities, increase diversity, and reduce racial isolation by permitting students from Boston to attend public schools in other communities that have agreed to participate.
Founded in 1966 in Boston, the program is the longest continuously running voluntary desegregation program in the country. The METCO program has enrolled tens of thousands of Boston students of color in predominantly white school districts, creating the opportunity for students in those districts to experience the advantages of learning and working in a racially and ethnically diverse setting.
Reading Public Schools
Instilling a joy of learning & inspiring the leaders of tomorrow.
Reading, Massachusetts has been a METCO partner since 1968. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Reading has a total of 101 enrolled Boston students in elementary, middle and high school.
METCO unites suburban towns with Boston to engage in a reciprocal learning partnership in support of all students. Because of this, every child who attends school in Reading is a METCO student and every parent or guardian who has a student in Reading is a part of the METCO community. We are all METCO
Interested in Joining Us?
Fill out this simple form to indicate your interest in volunteering with Friends of Reading METCO.
Or email us at friends.reading.metco@gmail.com
