Achieve The Honorable
Discover what it means to be a Hilltopper.
We Are Worcester Academy
We Are Hilltoppers
Since 1834, Worcester Academy has blended tradition with opportunity, creating a student experience that is both timeless and forward-looking. Our location in the heart of New England’s second largest city connects students to real-world learning, cultural experiences, and opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom.
Here, students from down the street and around the world come together in a diverse, welcoming community. Guided by exceptional teachers and mentors, they are encouraged to ask questions, explore boldly, and discover the full measure of their potential.
We are Hilltoppers, a name that reflects both our home on Union Hill and our collective pursuit of excellence. It signifies a community defined by character, aspiration, and the daily commitment to Achieve the Honorable.
Mission
Our mission—Achieving the Honorable through Scholarship, Fellowship, Leadership, Craftsmanship, and Sportsmanship reflects our commitment to excellence, integrity, and community.
Achieve The Honorable
Our historic motto—Achieve the Honorable—remains at the heart of our mission. Alumni tell us that it becomes part of who they are, staying with them and guiding them well beyond the Hilltop.
“Achieve the Honorable is not an empty phrase. They are three words that we’ve all tried to live by, an expressed belief for all that Worcester Academy stands for. Achieve the Honorable is the common thread that runs among all WA alumni.”
¾ Peter Williams, Class of 1952
How We Achieve The Honorable
Scholarship
Pursuing knowledge and academic excellence with curiosity and rigor.
Fellowship
Building a supportive and inclusive community through kindness, collaboration, and mutual support.
Leadership
Inspiring others through action, responsibility, and vision, while leading with empathy and purpose.
Craftsmanship
Approaching endeavors with dedication and pride, striving for advancement through skill, effort, and continuous improvement.
Sportsmanship
Competing with integrity, respect, and humility, demonstrating fairness and grace in every success and failure.
A Message
From Our Head of School
“There has never been a more exciting time to be at Worcester Academy. Rooted in a proud history and driven by a spirit of growth, we offer a hands-on, connected learning experience in the heart of a dynamic city. Our students thrive in and out of the classroom, guided by dedicated faculty who help them grow as scholars, artists, athletes, and engaged community members.”
¾ Kevin Breen, Head of School
“Worcester Academy has opened opportunities for me to try so many different things.”
Florida
Upper School
Hometown: Worcester, MA
Worcester Academy Activities: Board of Monitors, Class Officer, Cross Country, Basketball, Track, Habitat for Humanity, Math Lab, Varsity Club, Dexter Prize
“Worcester Academy has opened opportunities for me to try so many different things. I have been able to explore interests that I didn’t even know existed. For example, I participate in the Dexter Prize, our public speaking contest, where students memorize a poem or a speech, and then recite it in front of the school. I used to get a bit of stage fright, but doing it throughout the years, I’ve noticed I’ve improved my confidence for speaking in front of people.”
Why Worcester Academy
RealWorld Ready
A unique location— 71 beautiful acres in New England’s second-largest city
Access to urban opportunities: Many museums, colleges, and universities
Chances for professional and volunteer experiences right around the corner
ForwardThinking Education
Hands-on, engaging learning opportunities in every subject
A campus that spills beyond the classroom, into the city
Individualized education that encourages depth and reflection
Friends From Nearby & Around The World
60 percent day students/40 percent boarding students
Hilltoppers from 17 states
88 towns across Massachusetts represented
Students from 20 countries
Rooted in History
Founded in 1834, blending tradition with modern energy
Landmark buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places
A campus where heritage inspires the future
Spaces That Inspire
New Balance Performance Park, just two blocks from campus
Capozzoli Athletic Center (opened fall 2025)
New turf field and Performance Center with black box theater and gallery
You Are Seen & Known
Teachers and coaches who mentor and guide
An 8:1 student–advisor ratio
Every student’s strengths recognized and supported
Endless Options
50+ athletic teams
55+ extracurricular clubs and organizations
Countless leadership opportunities
Community service that focuses on authentic engagement
Worcester Academy’s Urban Advantage
We boast a great city as our extended classroom. Worcester, the second largest city in New England, has undergone a revitalization in recent years, and is known for its diversity, vibrant arts and culinary scene, and proximity to Boston. This unique location provides real-world learning opportunities that you simply won’t find at traditional rural boarding schools.
Worcester Academy is increasingly seeking ways to leverage our location in the heart of a vibrant, evolving city. Our approach includes rich experiential learning, authentic community service through local partnerships, and expanded academic opportunities thanks to the eight colleges within our city limits—and more nearby.
Worcester is also a regional hub for sports, arts, and culture. Students enjoy access to world-class museums, live theater, and concerts, as well as professional and collegiate sporting events at venues like Polar Park and the DCU Center—all just minutes from campus.
SPOTLIGHT Connecting with Local Veterans
Our seventh grade students visited the Massachusetts Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Green Hill Park in Worcester as part of their American Studies exploration of the Vietnam War. The trip offered a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the causes and effects of the conflict and to hear firsthand from Vietnam veterans who shared their experiences.
SPOTLIGHT
Exploring Sports Management at the College of the Holy Cross
A group of juniors and seniors attended the New England Sports Summit at the College of the Holy Cross, hearing from industry leaders across sports marketing, communications, sales, development, and more. The event provided valuable insights into the world of sports administration.
Emmett
Middle School
Hometown: Worcester, MA
Worcester Academy Activities: Board of Monitors, Flag Football, Basketball, Baseball, Theater
“Worcester Academy is really lively—you’ll always see people hanging out on the Quad, talking, walking to class. It’s a big school, but it’s also small enough that you know a lot of people. The academics are really good. The teachers and the coaches are great!”
“It’s a big school, but it’s also small enough that you know a lot of people.”
Our Academic Approach Student-Centered Learning
Worcester Academy’s faculty, staff, and leadership are driven by a student-centered approach, with small class sizes and advisor-to-student ratios ensuring that dedicated faculty meet students wherever they are with tailored attention and support. An abundance of choices, both in and beyond the classroom, means students are never boxed in—they leverage the freedom to explore new passions through hands-on projects, cross-curricular exploration, and real-world applications that promote confidence and academic growth at every skill level.
What That Looks Like
¾ A robust advisory program with small groups that foster strong relationships, personal growth, and a sense of belonging
¾ Opportunities to extend learning beyond campus into the city of Worcester
¾ Portfolios showcasing growth, challenges, and achievements
¾ A Collaborative and Cooperative Learning period that gives students 25 minutes each day to connect with teachers
¾ 23 honors courses
¾ 23 AP courses
¾ Center for Learning for students with specific learning needs
Middle School Personal, Purposeful, and Transformational
Our sixth through eighth graders enjoy personalized attention from faculty, close connections with their classmates, and a city that is an extension of the classroom. Worcester Academy’s holistic, student-centered Middle School challenges and engages students in a variety of ways. Young people learn to stretch beyond perceived limits through multidisciplinary experimentation, applying what they’ve learned in meaningful, real-world contexts.
The Middle School advisory program offers daily support while building confidence through collaborative activities and spirited competitions. Students build risk-taking and social-emotional skills through sports teams, music and theater performances, clubs, and a wide range of activities—including annual overnight trips during Outdoor Education Week that deepen connections and encourage growth.
“In our middle school, we give students a voice and choice—they can choose from clubs, electives, and activities, and many kids try something new for the first time. We want students to constantly be thinking about who they are as learners and who they are as citizens, through our holistic approach that includes academics, but also development as a person.”
¾ Jacqueline Arce, Head of the Middle School
“There’s something for everyone at Worcester Academy.”
Sian
Middle School
Hometown: Grafton, MA
Worcester Academy Activities: Robotics, Makers Club, Tennis, Football, Theater, Dexter Prize
“There’s something for everyone at Worcester Academy. I’ve been able to experiment with many things I’d never been exposed to before—building cells in Minecraft for science class, doing 3D printing and laser cutting in robotics, trying flag football for the first time, and performing in theater as the Frog Prince!”
Portfolios
Middle School students collect and curate work during the year to reflect on their growth, challenges, and achievements. They then present them to family and classmates as they take ownership of their growth as learners.
SPOTLIGHT
Worcester Animal Rescue League
While visiting the Worcester Animal Rescue League shelter, students learned that the organization needed help raising awareness about their work and advocating for pet adoption. Our Middle Schoolers led efforts to collect much-needed pet food and toy donations.
Minimesters
At the end of each year, students participate in a “Minimester,” a program designed to spark curiosity and connect ideas across disciplines. Students are immersed in one of several hands-on groups on topics like recording podcasts, tracking the stock market, exploring global fashion, or investigating the science of movement.
Service at the Center
Worcester Academy’s Middle School Service Learning program develops students’ ability to understand genuine needs and identify how they can add real value. With our student-driven approach, Middle Schoolers develop practical skills, including grant writing and needs assessment, and witness the direct impact of their service.
Where Interests Take Off
Middle School Electives
From theater and debate to science and engineering, electives give students the chance to try new things, build skills, and discover passions.
Student Clubs
Middle School clubs meet during the school day and are student-driven and ever-changing. Recent options have included Dungeons & Dragons, Art Club, and Digital Design.
After School & Events
Our Middle Schoolers get involved in sports, theater productions, robotics, and favorite traditions like flag football and Halloween on the Hilltop.
Learn More About Our Middle School
www.worcesteracademy.org/middle-school
“All the teachers have been supportive, helping me with my passions.”
Ruby
Upper School
Hometown: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Worcester Academy Activities:
NASA TechRise Team, Green Team, Math Lab, Science and Engineering Fair, Cross Country
“One of the most important reasons I chose Worcester Academy was the community—everyone feels incredibly connected. When I visited, people were really nice, and the teachers seemed really supportive, which has been absolutely true during my experience here. At first, I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to do, but after taking a physics class and joining the NASA TechRise Team, I fell in love with engineering. All the teachers have been supportive, helping me with my passions.”
Upper School Where Purpose Takes Shape
Worcester Academy’s faculty members are dedicated to helping ninth through twelfth graders and postgraduate students become the best version of themselves. Learning in the Upper School is hands-on and engaging, with small class sizes that allow dedicated faculty to deliver personalized attention, promoting confidence and academic growth at every skill level.
Academic schedules are balanced with community time to create a dynamic experience that extends learning beyond the classroom. From diverse clubs led by students under faculty guidance to weekly advisory groups that provide consistent support throughout their Upper School years, students find their passion and purpose through meaningful engagement and leadership development.
“Worcester Academy is a place where everyone can feel like they belong and have the opportunity to learn and grow. We offer a rigorous curriculum that allows students to be matched at the level at which they enter. We have D1 athletes sitting next to students going to Ivy League schools, sitting next to students invested in the arts, and sometimes those are the same kid.”
¾ James Young, Head of the Upper School
A Sampling of Upper School Academic Offerings:
¾ Human Ecology: Exploring Worcester’s Built & Natural Environments
¾ What’s Goin’ On: Social Justice in History
¾ Playwriting
¾ Introduction to Programming and Game Design
¾ AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
¾ Honors Multivariable Calculus
¾ Graphic Novels and Society: Heroes, Villains, and Power
¾ Forensic Science
¾ Architecture
Preparing for college and beyond
With the understanding that every student has unique strengths and goals, our college counseling program provides personalized guidance through the college search and application process. Support includes college seminars, one-on-one counseling, practice tests, and early preparatory guidance for younger students. Our goal is to help every student find the right fit for their future.
www.worcesteracademy.org/upper-school
Arts That Inspire
Worcester Academy’s students are inspired daily to experiment and create in the classroom. They are encouraged to take artistic risks, whether in visual or performing arts. Through this, they become better artists and well-rounded individuals. Beyond the classroom, after-school clubs and seasonal programs offer every student-artist time to hone their craft and discover new talents— from Open Studio oil painting projects to Academy Singers performances.
SPOTLIGHT
All-School Musical
Each fall, we stage an impressive all-school musical where cast and crew members develop technical, critical thinking, and collaborative skills. Recent offerings have included Matilda and The Sound of Music. Students love the chance to connect across grade levels, building community with students from sixth grade through postgraduates.
Middle School Arts
Middle School students are intentionally introduced to as many artistic mediums as possible—vocal and instrumental music, theater, and visual arts—giving them a chance to stretch their comfort zone and identify passions to pursue more deeply in the Upper School.
SPOTLIGHT
Warner Memorial Theater & Ross Auditorium
The Warner Memorial Theater was constructed in the 1930s by Harry Warner—the legendary head of Warner Bros. Studios—as a tribute to his late son Lewis J. Warner, whose bright prospects sadly ended just a few years following his distinguished time at Worcester Academy. Among the earliest sound film venues, it remains one of the most significant cultural hubs on campus. Officially opened on April 9, 1932, the Warner Theater has been described by the Theatre Historical Society of America as an “authentic treasure” of American theatrical venues.
Upper School Arts
Upper School students dive deeper into their craft and set tangible goals for growth. Students immerse themselves in clubs, productions, and open studio sessions, applying their technical skills through hands-on projects and performances.
www.worcesteracademy.org/arts
Madelyn
Upper School
Hometown: Sutton, MA
Worcester Academy Activities: Fall Musical, Winter Play, Tennis, Math Team, Chorus
“What brought me here were all the opportunities. Worcester has a really good theater program...”
“What brought me here were all the opportunities. Worcester Academy has a really good theater program, which I was very excited about. I recently did Matilda and Clue. It’s a place where you can make many great connections. People were so supportive and encouraging that I wasn’t as nervous about performing as I normally would be. It’s also nice to have two different types of places on campus where you can perform, because performing in a black box theater is very different than on a big stage.”
“I feel like I have grown so much as a person here. Being around my coach and the guys helped me understand that it’s about the team. It’s even more about the entire school...”
Diesel
Upper School
Hometown: Pearl City, HI
Worcester Academy Activities: Basketball, Dorm Proctor, Spirit Committee, Founded FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes), Green Team, Afternoon Tunes
“I first visited Worcester Academy for the senior awards when my brother Jaxson finished his PG year in 2023. He didn’t get many Division 1 offers after graduating from our school in Hawaii. Playing here got him better exposure. Now he is playing at the D1 level in college soccer. I feel like I’ve grown so much as a person here. Being around my coach and the guys helped me understand that it’s about the team. It’s even more about the entire school and the atmosphere that you create for yourselves. For our NEPSAC championship game (that we won!), the gym was packed. It was great to have the atmosphere like that.”
A Training Ground For Athletic Achievement
At Worcester Academy, being an athlete means joining a community that challenges, supports, and inspires. Students push one another to grow—on the field, in the weight room, and as individuals—building the confidence to test their limits and pursue excellence. Our coaches are mentors who believe that honorable character is the ultimate competitive edge. With every practice and every game, athletes are prepared not just to compete, but to lead on their teams and in life.
“At Worcester Academy, athletics is an extension of the classroom. Our teacher-coaches build relationships, teach lifelong lessons, and meet students where they are, whether new to sports or aspiring superstars. With our new facility, we now have one of the best athletic complexes in Central Massachusetts—a true game changer for our community.”
¾ Julie Berberian, Director of Athletics
www.worcesteracademy.org/athletics
World-Class Athletic Facilities
Worcester Academy’s athletic facilities provide both those who want to stay physically fit, and those who may become elite athletes, a home to develop and grow.
The Capozzoli Athletic Center At New Balance Performance Park
Opened in fall 2025, the Capozzoli Athletic Center is a game changer for athletics on the Hilltop. This stateof-the-art complex gives Hilltoppers the space to train, compete, and grow at every level. More than just a home for teams, it reflects a commitment to excellence and to strengthening connections with the Worcester community.
“This facility elevates athletics on the Hilltop, giving our students the spaces and opportunities to train, compete, and lead at the highest level while deepening our ties to Worcester.”
¾ Kevin Breen, Head of School
¾ Three basketball courts
¾ Six-lane swimming pool
¾ 6,000 sq ft training and fitness center
¾ Comprehensive amenities suite
¾ Team and locker rooms
¾ Community Room: A dedicated space for fostering connections and collaboration with the Worcester community
Other Athletic Facilities
From the newly updated Morse Field to Gaskill Field and Daniels Gymnasium, students have access to other on-campus spaces for training and competition. Beyond campus, Hilltoppers skate at the Worcester Ice Center, row on Lake Quinsigamond, golf at Whitinsville Country Club, and ski at Wachusett Mountain.
SPOTLIGHT Board of Monitors (BOM)
Since 1886, the Board of Monitors has been Worcester Academy’s student government and a hallmark of leadership. Peer-selected representatives connect students with faculty, uphold traditions, and organize activities. In the Middle School, members support community life, while Upper School leaders meet weekly with the Head of School and conduct all-school assemblies—ensuring student voices are heard across campus.
Learning to Lead and Serve
Worcester Academy cultivates student leadership, providing students with opportunities to serve in ways that positively impact both the school culture and the surrounding community. We offer students countless leadership opportunities alongside more than 55 clubs. Our service programs create numerous pathways for students to develop their leadership skills and authentically engage with their community. Students develop real leadership skills and refine them over the course of their time at the school.
A Sampling of the Opportunities to Lead at Worcester Academy:
¾ Board of Monitors: Student government and event planners
¾ Proctors: Dorm community leaders
¾ Head Ambassadors: Admission and tour leaders
¾ Diversity Committee: Student equity advocates
¾ Alumni Transition Team: Senior philanthropy and alumni reps
SPOTLIGHT The PILLARS
Pillars Peer Educators are trained students who lead campus-wide health and wellness programming while helping new students transition smoothly to Worcester Academy. These certified student leaders work alongside counselors to host health classes, create dorm activities, and organize key events from orientation to mental health awareness initiatives.
Belonging Begins Here
From its founding, Worcester Academy has been committed to access and inclusion. Diversity weaves through the fabric of our community. Students here are seen and known. Through intentional programming, cultural celebrations, and student-led initiatives, we create an environment where students see their background as a foundation for understanding and growth.
Affinity Groups
Our student-led affinity groups provide spaces for connection, cultural celebration, and advocacy. These are examples of recent offerings:
¾ BSU (Black Student Union)
¾ OLAS (Organization of Latin American Students)
¾ SAAG (South Asian Affinity Group)
¾ APAA (Asian Pacific American Alliance)
¾ QUILTBAG (LGBTQ+)
¾ Neurodivergent Affinity Group
¾ Fellowship of Christian Athletes
¾ Muslim Student Association
¾ Gay-Straight Alliance
¾ Jewish Student Union
Celebrations That Unite Us
The Multicultural Potluck transforms our dining hall into a global feast, where families share treasured recipes and stories from their cultural traditions. Students love trying new foods, including dumplings, tamales, and curries.
The Middle School’s annual Cinco de Mayo celebration features lively music, traditional dance, and swirling, colorful dresses that honor Mexican culture.
“In the Middle School global summit, I was able to represent my country, Ghana, where I was born.”
Michaela
Upper School
Hometown: Worcester, MA
Worcester Academy Activities: Country, Basketball, Track. A “lifer” who has been attending Worcester Academy since sixth grade, Michaela was honored as the all-around Middle School Core Value Award winner.
“I love learning about history. In the Middle School global summit, I was able to represent my country, Ghana, where I was born.”
Community At The Core
When you ask people what attracted them to Worcester Academy, you will inevitably hear the word community. Here, every student is truly seen and known through close-knit relationships and daily faculty mentorship. With 8:1 advisor ratios and traditions like student-faculty basketball games, support and connection are always within reach. That sense of community extends beyond campus, too—through service partnerships, local engagement, and a shared commitment to making a difference in Worcester and beyond.
SPOTLIGHT
Battle for the Hilltop
Battle for the Hilltop builds the fabric of our community through a week-long bout of friendly competition and fierce camaraderie. From flash fiction writing contests to floor hockey showdowns, students test their skills, forge lasting bonds, and create unforgettable memories.
“I also like how we give back.”
Grace
Middle School
Hometown: Sutton, MA
Worcester Academy Activities: Board of Monitors, Soccer, Basketball, Softball, Dexter Prize, Music (bassoon)
“Worcester Academy is a great community with so many different options to enjoy. I also like how we give back. Last year, I was part of a team that volunteered at In the Hour of Need Family Shelter. I played puzzles with a six-year-old and also baked cookies. We wrote our own grant application for the program when we heard that the program was facing government funding cuts.”
Noah
Upper School
“I came to look at Worcester for hockey, but honestly, the deciding factor for me was the community.”
Hometown: East Greenwich, RI
Worcester Academy Activities: DECA Business Club, Amnesty International Club, Dorm Proctor, Hockey, Admissions Ambassador
“I came to look at Worcester Academy for hockey, but honestly, the deciding factor for me was the community. It’s extremely welcoming, wholesome, and kind. That’s what brought me here. It has also allowed me to explore other areas of interest. I know I want to major in business or economics in college, so I now co-lead the DECA Business Club. The school supported me flying out to Los Angeles for the DECA International Career Development Conference.”
SPOTLIGHT
WAGON Club
WAGON—short for Worcester Academy Gives Others Nourishment—is a student-led club rooted in service and community partnership. Founded 13 years ago by members of the Boys’ Basketball team, the club began by delivering leftover food from the dining hall to St. John’s Food for the Poor Program in Worcester. Today, the relationship is mutual: in return, the program donates non-perishables to help stock the Woo Fridge and food cabinet behind Union Hill School—supporting neighbors in need.
SPOTLIGHT
Wellness Day
Each year, we dedicate an entire school day to self-care and mental and physical growth.
Students and faculty trade textbooks for yoga mats. They can choose from a variety of workshops, including meditation, poetry writing, slime-making, and diverse dance offerings.
The annual event reinforces our commitment to holistic well-being and provides the entire community with an opportunity to recharge together.
SPOTLIGHT
The Quad
Our iconic, beautiful Quad serves as the heart of campus activity. Here, Middle School students enjoy recess, high school students toss frisbees, and Hilltoppers across all grade levels gather between classes. The Quad also hosts special events like Orientation, Commencement, and Reunion.
Living On The Hilltop
Worcester Academy is a special place to call home. Boarding provides a chance to develop independence, deepen bonds, and have a fully immersive school experience that can make the transition to college life that much easier. Our stunning historic campus features four residential halls, each housing two students per room. Caring faculty members, counselors, and support staff provide students with attentive supervision and mentorship.
Our Postgraduate Program
Worcester Academy has one of the oldest and most reputable postgraduate programs in the country. We provide graduating seniors with a seamless transition from high school to college life. Our postgraduate program is the ideal bridge for domestic and international students who want to boost their academic and athletic profiles in a structured and immersive residential environment.
Weekends on the Hilltop
Life doesn’t slow down after classes. From dances, movie nights, and karaoke on campus to hiking trips, shopping, and Worcester Red Sox games, weekends are packed with options. Students help shape the schedule, so there’s always something new—whether you’re staying in with friends or heading out to explore Worcester and beyond.
