Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School

Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School is a regional school serving 13 towns in central Massachusetts. Located in the heart of the region, Blackstone Valley has a student population of approximately 1,000 students in grades 9 through 12. About 20% of the students are youth with disabilities, predominately learning and emotional. It offers 18 distinctive vocational technical programs, along with a structured academic core program.

Blackstone Valley prides itself on providing students with a safe learning environment with an emphasis on integrating specialized vocational/technical training and academic learning. A specialized curriculum called "Across the Curriculum" focuses on reading, math, study strategies and respect. Instruction is individualized and recognizes diverse learning styles while incorporating the use of state-of-the art technology. Student portfolios highlight academic, vocational, and extra-curricular accomplishments. A comprehensive counseling program and a wide array of extracurricular activities are available to all students. Job shadowing, job internships, work/study programs, and cooperative education are available for students to learn about the world of work and to develop and apply both academic and vocational/technical skills.

The school's philosophy is "to provide the individual student with the academic and vocational/technical skills essential to achieve success in a productive career as well as to provide the global community with a highly qualified and prepared workforce."

The first-time-pass rates on the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) tests have improved steadily from 2001 to 2004. In Basic English Language, 82.1% passed the first time in 2001, compared with 97.0% in 2004. In Basic Math, the rate improved from 78.7% in 2001 to 95.0% in 2004. Pass rates on Advanced MCAS tests have also improved. In addition, the school reports that virtually 100% of their students graduate and are placed into postsecondary education, the military, apprenticeship programs, or jobs. The school has received numerous awards for its progress and continuing success.