February 14, 2023

Dear IACS Families:

Every year, each public school and school district in Massachusetts receives a report card. Just as your child’s report card shows how they are doing in different subjects, the school’s report card is designed to show families how our school is doing in different areas.  CLICK HERE to see our 2022 Report Card.

The report card includes multiple measures of a school’s performance – more than just MCAS scores. It represents a new way of looking at school performance, by providing information on student achievement, teacher qualifications, student learning opportunities, and more. 

Report cards are designed to be useful tools for everyone connected to our school. Families can use the information to have meaningful conversations with us about what the school is doing well and where there is room for improvement. Community and education leaders can use the information to better understand how to support students and our school.

You will notice on our report card that we exceeds state averages in the following areas:

• The percent of students who take at least one art course.
• The percent of our 9th graders who pass all of their courses.
• The percent of high school students completing the MassCore Graduation requirements (The MassCore program of studies includes: four years of english, four years of math, three years of a lab-based science, three years of history, two years of the same foreign language, one year of an arts program and five additional “core” courses.)
• The percent of students who enroll in postsecondary education. This statistic is particularly noteworthy in light of the pandemic.  IACS students at 20% more likely to continue their studies in college than state averages. 

To improve student performance in our school, we are looking for ways to enroll and support even more students in advanced coursework as well as demonstrate overall performance and growth on MCAS which exceeds state averages.  We encourage you to become involved in helping us improve our school. We see parents as critical partners in the success of our students and school, and we are grateful for your continued support.

Finally, because IACS receives federal Title I funds, you also have the right to request the following information about the qualifications of your child’s classroom teachers:

• Whether your child’s teacher is licensed in the grade levels and subject areas they teach,
• Whether your child’s teacher is teaching under an emergency license or waiver,
• The college degree and major of your child’s teacher, and
• Whether your child is provided services by paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications.

If you have questions about our school’s report card, would like to become involved in school improvement activities, or would like to request information about the qualifications of your child’s classroom teacher, please contact Melissa Kapeckas, Director of Curriculum and Instruction. To see our district’s report card or to search for other schools’ report cards, visit reportcards.doe.mass.edu. 

Sincerely,

Greg Orpen

Head of School