Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership Schools (SEZP)
The Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership (SEZP) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving student achievement in Springfield, Massachusetts.
A unique partnership between the Springfield Public Schools, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and the Springfield Education Association teachers union, SEZP serves more than 5,000 students in 16 middle and high schools that it operates across the city.
It was established in 2015 to accelerate equitable student outcomes at chronically underperforming schools in Springfield.
Neither a charter school network, nor state takeover, nor in-district turnaround strategy, SEZP created its own innovative model that combines autonomy with support and accountability — and the results are empowering.
Learn more about our autonomy by visiting our website: https://sezp.org/
Individual schools in this group include:
Van Sickle Academy
VSA is a small learning community focused on rigorous core instruction and personalized learning intervention for students in grades 6-8. It embraces the tenets of personal growth, academic success, and […]
Springfield Realization Academy
One of just two dual language middle schools in the state, Realization Academy centers on bilingualism, biculturalism, and biliteracy in Spanish and English.Staffed by a majority of bilingual educators — […]
Springfield Legacy Academy
One of just two dual language middle schools in the state, Legacy Academy centers on bilingualism, biculturalism, and biliteracy in Spanish and English.Staffed by over 60% bilingual educators — several […]
Springfield Honors Academy
With a mission to prepare students for graduation from competitive four-year colleges, SHA graduated its first class in 2020. It focuses on developing the intellectual curiosity and emotional maturity of […]
Rise Academy and Rise Prep
Rise Academy Middle School provides all students access to a high-quality, rigorous curriculum. The school focuses on supporting accelerated growth for students through high expectations for teaching, learning, and behavior. […]
Kiley Prep
Redesigned in 2019 as part of a small school initiative, Kiley Prep promotes authentic learning focused on three dimensions of success: mastery of knowledge and skills, character, and high-quality student […]
John F. Kennedy Middle School
The Kennedy Habits of Scholarship — respect, responsibility, quality, and perseverance — guide interactions for all Kennedy students and staff, and help to form positive relationships and school culture. The […]
Impact Prep
Impact Prep ensures equitable instruction for all learners, grounded in rigorous, standards-aligned curriculum; robust access to personalized intervention; and a one-of-a-kind restorative practices approach, which replaces the traditional punitive system […]
High School of Commerce
Through its unique “pathways” program, Commerce prepares scholars for careers in the fields of Information Technology (IT), Health and Human Services, and Engineering. “College is not an option” is the […]
Forest Park Middle School
Redesigned in 2021 to create a smaller, more personalized learning experience for students in grades 6-8, Forest Park fosters an environment where students can be focused, prepared, motivated, and safe. […]
Emergence Academy
Designed for students with interrupted formal education who are new to the U.S., Emergence opened in 2021 and is SEZP’s most rapidly growing school. By celebrating and growing the individual […]
Duggan Academy
Duggan Academy is an Expeditionary Learning community dedicated to upholding high academic expectations through authentic learning experiences. Its students, grades 6-12, attain academic success and demonstrate exemplary character. Duggan Middle […]
Chestnut TAG Middle School
The selective Chestnut TAG provides a rigorous, standards-based instructional program that accelerates all students’ learning. TAG values the importance of equity through a culturally responsive curriculum that affirms all aspects […]
Discovery High School
Through its distinct wall-to-wall early college model, Discovery provides students the opportunity to live out their college, career, and wage potential in the region. In partnership with Worcester State University, […]
Academy at Kiley
Established in 2019 as part of a small school initiative, The Academy at Kiley is home to a community of learners in grades 6-8. It provides a rigorous academic program […]