District administrators presented updates to Holliston High School’s program of studies on March 27, outlining curriculum changes they said are largely name alignments to formal partner programs and a new pathway partnership to expand college credit access.

What’s changing. Several existing career and technical courses (for example, architecture/engineering and introductory engineering) will be re‑listed under Project Lead The Way (PLTW) names — civil engineering & architecture, principles of engineering and biomedical science courses — because the district received a PLTW grant that includes teacher training and equipment. Administrators said the PLTW rollout does not create entirely new programs but formalizes curriculum under PLTW’s national sequencing and credentials.

UMass Dartmouth partnership. Administrators also described a planned online partnership with UMass Dartmouth that will allow students to enroll in three‑credit, college‑level courses for about $540 each; grant funds included in the district’s award will provide scholarships for students who cannot afford the fee. The district said courses could be taken during the year or as summer/Maymester offerings; they are transferable credits and represent an inexpensive way for students to earn college credit while in high school.

Innovation Pathways. The district has applied for or received a grant to develop an Innovation Pathways plan focused initially on business. The pathway will sequence courses from introductory business to management and marketing and end in an internship and capstone project. Administrators said internships, employer partnerships and a capstone experience will be a primary focus for the inaugural cohort and that they will seek community employer partners for student internships.

Other class updates. Administrators also reported minor name changes for some English course groupings and shifts of AP Economics into the social‑studies department for alignment with teacher certification. High school staff told the committee most name changes reflect formalization rather than content changes.

Next steps. Administrators said they will post the updated program of studies and bring any items that require committee approval back as formal votes. The UMass Dartmouth agreement requires documentation that the district is finalizing with the post‑secondary partner.