Assabet Valley Vocational High School

Going there was the choice I ever made, I strongly recommend it but understand that Assabet is WHAT THE STUDENT MAKES OF IT. They can either attend, skate through and complain about how terrible it is - or, they can get involved, enjoy their time, make long time friends, and enjoy it for what it is. I was someone that did the later and I'll never regret it or look back into high school in disgust. Assabet trained me in a great trade, as well as supported me as I decided to attend college and continue doing something else which I love. The teachers truly care and want what is best for their students, and getting involved in activities is a sure way to make good friends and know everyone there on a much better level. Assabet is no where near perfect, but no one should expect any school to be.

Best decision I ever made sending my son and now my daughter to Assabet. Son always struggled in Westborough schools. After 3rd grade he was basically ignored. He is excelling at Assabet. He received advanced scoring in Math on MCAS last year, usually earned needs improvement or low proficiency in Westborough. Daughter has been in all honors level classes for Freshman year. I was told she is on the AP track in Math. My kids have not got in trouble. They do their homework, school work and tech work. My son was in the paper for his Tech work. Son is looking at college now and no matter what he will graduate with a great skill, and a year of apprenticeship completed. My daughter is in BioTech and has numerous options when she goes to college. My only negative is that my extremely smart daughter seems to be taking on the speaking of the kids in the school. She sounds uneducated when she speaks, not what she knows, just how she speaks. She used to speak in more proper English. I think Assabet was the best decision we ever made. Westborough did not support my kids or see my kids strengths. They were just another number in the class. My kids will graduate with a skill and a diploma.
--Submitted by a parent

Terrible school. Son went to this school for a year. They expect little from the kids, including basic, basic grammar skills. I don't know how anyone can function in the real world after this school without sounding like an idiot. Going in to meet with the counselor, there were 2 pregnant students also walking in. After school there were about 50 hoodlums outside smoking every time. My son got suspended 10 times there because he went along with his peers writing on walls etc. They really need to raise their academic expectations. One week of school, one week of shop equals to a tenth grade education. That's weak. Isn't the purpose of a trade school to train kids so they don't have to go to college, so why are they pushing college? Dumb. Don't send your kids there unless you want them to be illiterate, punks. VERY unimpressed.
--Submitted by a parent

I personally attended Assabet and just recently graduated (07). This school is great for all kinds of students. The academics are stronger than most believe, and the sports are good as well.

my son has never done better in school until he began going to Assabet. Great school!
--Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of a 13 year old who has been waiting for years to attend Assabet. My 4 younger siblings & I were all AV Grads! Because of the caring teachers, guidance counselors&staff, I have been able to achieve successes in life that I would not have if it weren't for the teachers/staff at AV. As for the comments on the drugs in the school... There are drugs everywhere you go - its a matter of being a good parent or having parents who are involved & actually care about what their kids are doing! Its also about watching who your child's friends are & having an open relationship of communication with them. I can't wait for my son to experience the education AV has to offer. I'm proud to have the experience& I am still actively involved with the staff & alumni at AV! Toni Pakus
--Submitted by a former student

I love Assabet Valley High School, I went there from 9-12 and I had an experience that not all regular high school students have. I learned my trade which is Graphic Design, went on Co-op as a Graphic Designer and am still at the same job for 3 years right out of high school. Assabet prepaired me for the real world, there technical side is great, look what I have become. The teachers great and teach very well. What can get better, you graduate with two certificates, this will help when applying to colleges. Again this shcool is great would rec. it to anyone out there.
--Submitted by Alexis Krieger, a former student

Assabet would've provided me with the skills I needed and would help me start a career quicker and easier. I have many friends who go to Assabet and they are getting ready to start their trades or go out on Co-Op and are much more prepared for the real world of work. Overall I'd like to say that I think your school is doing a great job providing for kids and helping them into the next step of their lives. Keep up the good work.
--Submitted by a student

I just want to say that this school gives our children a wonderful education. The teachers are wonderful educators. They care about thier students. Part of education starts with the parents at home, you can't blame the teachers for how the children act. The teachers are there to educate and they do a great job. I think that if anything is a problem, its the parents non-involvement in the school.
--Submitted by a former student

I beg to differ about Assabet Valley. The teachers are not caught up in themselves they do care about the students. You get an awsome education. I am a student at Assabet Valley I have been for 4 years now. My sister graduated this past year, she now goes to Anna Maria College taking up Criminal Justice. She is also in the 'Who's Who' of New England. So if you think Assabet is all about drugs then your very wrong. The people want you to succeed and they are will to help you get there!
--Submitted by Emily Hisman, a student