METCO is the largest school desegregation program in the country. Following the passage of the Racial Imbalance Act in 1966, the METCO program provides the opportunity for children from isolated urban schools in Boston and children from isolated suburban schools in neighboring towns to learn together in an integrated public school setting. It is the commonwealth’s only program designed to address the long standing racial and economic segregation in our public school. Over the last half century, METCO has reached tens of thousands of students supporting 3,150 students annually in 33 participating suburban school districts and 190 public schools.  

Throughout its history, METCO has provided students with a strong academic foundation, as well as an environment rich in cultural, educational, ethnic and racial diversity. Students graduate and attend college at rates far above the state averages and maintain lifelong friendships between diverse students. METCO creates environments where students, parents, and teachers of different backgrounds can appreciate diversity, find common ground through shared experiences, and strive toward the mutual goal of preparing young people to become global citizens.