Below is a press release from the Shawsheen Tech:
BILLERICA, MA — Shawsheen Valley Technical High School is excited to announce that applications are now open for the incoming 9th-grade class, the Class of 2029. As a premier vocational high school, Shawsheen offers a comprehensive and dynamic education across 20 industry-relevant vocational programs, seamlessly combining top-tier academics with hands-on technical training. This competitive opportunity is available to students residing in Shawsheen’s five sending districts: Bedford, Billerica, Burlington, Tewksbury, and Wilmington. With the launch of a new admissions platform, families can easily submit applications through a streamlined online portal.
“While the admissions process may be new to some families, our Admissions Office provides tailored support, including translated materials and personalized guidance,” said Andrew Pigeon, Shawsheen’s newly appointed Director of Data, Assessment, and Admissions. “Our goal is to ensure that every family has access to the incredible opportunities available at Shawsheen, an accredited Massachusetts Career and Technical High School.”
Mr. Pigeon, who re-joined Shawsheen’s administration in August 2024, brings over 20 years of experience in vocational education and a passion for expanding access to technical education. “As the Director of Admissions, I’m eager to assist our community in making informed decisions about their child’s educational future. Ensuring access and opportunity for all families within our sending districts is central to our mission at Shawsheen,” he added.
The application period opened on October 1, 2024, and the deadline to apply is Saturday, February 1, 2025. With a maximum of 340 available seats for the Class of 2029, the Admissions Office has already received significant interest, with over 240 applications submitted within the first 10 days.
Shawsheen’s admissions process evaluates various factors, including students’ attendance records, academic performance in 7th and 8th grades, disciplinary history, teacher or counselor recommendations, and an interview. Interviews for this admissions cycle will begin on Monday, October 21, 2024, and continue through March 2025. A detailed overview of the admissions criteria and process is available on the school’s website at www.ShawsheenTech.org/Admissions.
Families interested in learning more are encouraged to attend Shawsheen’s Open House on Sunday, November 3, 2024, from 2:00 – 4:00 PM. The event will provide prospective students and their families the opportunity to tour academic and vocational areas, explore campus athletic facilities, and attend presentations about the admissions process.
For additional information or to apply, visit www.ShawsheenTech.org/Admissions or contact the Admissions Office via email at registration@shawtech.org.
About Shawsheen Valley Regional Vocational Technical School District
Established in 1965, Shawsheen Valley Regional Vocational Technical School District (SVRVTSD) stands as a beacon of educational excellence, placing students at the center of its mission. Proudly serving the communities of Billerica, Bedford, Burlington, Tewksbury, and Wilmington, Shawsheen caters to the diverse needs of over 1,300 students in grades 9-12.
Dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in education, Shawsheen seamlessly integrates academics with a dynamic range of over 20 vocational-technical career pathways. Located in Billerica, Massachusetts, Shawsheen’s expansive 100-acre campus hosts an exceptional school building adorned with high-end and industry relevant equipment, athletic fields, twenty-four varsity sports, and a plethora of extra-curricular clubs and activities.
With a passionate faculty and staff, Shawsheen remains committed to its mission: “to provide a positive learning experience in a safe educational environment that encourages all students to reach their full potential, emphasizes the value of a strong work ethic, and prepares them for adult life in a competitive world.”
Beyond its traditional academic offerings, Shawsheen Valley Technical School extends its educational reach through Adult Education, Afterschool Enrichment Programs, Community-focused Events, and Summer Programs. The district continually strives to expand its rich and diverse programming, embracing the belief that education is a lifelong, continuous process with numerous paths leading to a successful and fulfilling life.
Shawsheen Valley Technical School offers 20 industry-relevant vocational programs. Pictured is JT DiPietropolo, a 2024 graduate from the Electronics/Engineering program, fine-tuning his robot for a competition.
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