The Wakefield School Committee is taking a significant step towards expanding educational opportunities by proposing a school choice program for the 2025-2026 school year. During the meeting on May 27, 2025, the administration outlined a plan to accept up to 22 students across grades 2 through 12, starting with just two students per grade.

Superintendent Kevin Lyons emphasized the cautious approach, stating, "We want to start small and learn," highlighting the importance of assessing the program's impact while also exploring potential revenue for the district. The proposal aims to fill open seats at the high school level, with the understanding that if no applications are received for certain grades, those seats will remain unfilled.

The school choice initiative is a first for Wakefield, marking a new chapter in the district's educational offerings. Each accepted student will bring a small per-pupil tuition stipend, which could provide additional funding for the schools. The committee unanimously voted to exit the public hearing on this topic, paving the way for further discussions and potential implementation.

As the district moves forward, the focus will be on evaluating the benefits of this program for both students and faculty, with the hope that it will enhance the educational landscape in Wakefield.