The Nativity School of Worcester is a tuition-free, independent Jesuit middle school (grades 5-8) for boys living in vulnerable neighborhoods of Worcester, MA.

The Nativity model of education began with the creation of the Nativity Mission Center in New York City in 1971. The model consists of small class sizes (generally no more than 15 students), an extended school year replete with a mandatory summer program, an extended school day where students attend an evening study, and a graduate support program. Today, there are 64 NativityMiguel Schools serving over 4,300 middle school age boys and girls in 27 states. (www.nativitymiguelschools.org)

In the late 1990s, the senior administration of the College of the Holy Cross developed the idea of establishing a Nativity School in Worcester, a city that had been wracked by a devastating graduation rate for low-income boys. These senior administrators – particularly President Michael McFarland, S.J., and Charles Weiss, Ph.D. – championed the school in the Worcester community. Following a successful feasibility study in 2002, the doors of the school were opened in the fall of 2003 to fifth- and sixth-grade classes. Over the course of the next two years, a seventh and eighth grade were added. Now in its seventh year, the school has witnessed two successful classes of graduates matriculate in the area’s select high schools.

In the face of these statistics, Nativity provides hope. In a structured learning environment – including an 11-hour school day, an extended school year with an extensive summer program, individualized tutoring and less than 15 pupils per class – Nativity encourages its boys to attain great academic achievement while nourishing their individuality, emotional growth and overall well-being. Admission is given to those students who show both a demonstrated financial need and a desire to learn. Priority is given to students who are performing below grade level. Now in its fifth year, the school has witnessed four successful classes of graduates matriculate at the area’s most select high schools. Currently, Nativity’s graduates attend – and more importantly, succeed at – the following schools: Bancroft School, Burncoat High, Doherty High, Holy Name, Noble & Greenough, St. John’s High School, St. Peter-Marian, South High, Worcester Academy, Worcester Technical High School, and A Better Chance (ABC) New Canaan and Masconomet Programs.

Nativity does not receive financial assistance from the College of the Holy Cross, the Diocese of Worcester or the state and federal government. We rely instead on the generosity of individuals, foundations, organizations, and corporations.