A view of the cafeteria with a large mural of the world

Dear Worcester Public Schools Community,

The Worcester Public Schools (WPS) is delighted to open the new Doherty Memorial High School, at 299 Highland Street, on time to start the 2024-25 school year.

We have received lots of questions about when the community and alumni will be able to tour the new school. We are happy to share the following information with you.

On Thursday, October 17, at 3:00 PM, there will be a ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony with city, school, and elected officials. The community is welcome to attend.

On Saturday, October 19, from 10:00 AM-2:00 PM, Doherty will be open for community tours and a silent fundraiser. The fundraiser will feature memorabilia from the old facility, which includes bricks, gym scoreboards, shot clocks, auditorium seats, lockers, and signs. Proceeds will benefit the school. Additional details will be shared in the coming weeks.

On weekends in September, families of current Doherty students can tour the new building. Principal John Staley has shared these dates and times with families via email. Due to logistical reasons, these September weekend tours are only intended for families of current students and not the general public or alumni.

The new Doherty will open for students on Monday, August 26, the first day of the school year. The 425,000 square-foot facility will provide our scholars in grades 9-12 state-of-the-art spaces for arts, athletics, collaborative learning, rigorous academics, and expanded career technical education offerings. An athletic field will be constructed over the next several months.

We are overjoyed to provide Doherty scholars a modern educational experience that meets the Vision of a Learner framework to ensure they are future-ready. We look forward to having the community join us as we embark on this new chapter.

Sincerely,

Rachel H. Monárrez, PhD
Superintendent
Worcester Public Schools