Exterior photos of HHS Dean and HHS North

Eighth graders consider their options for which high school campus to attend

HPS

December 26, 2023

Beginning in January, HPS eighth graders will learn more about Holyoke High School’s North and Dean campuses and will have opportunities to speak with school representatives to help them prepare for an important decision they will need to make soon: Which Holyoke High School campus should they attend in the fall?

Both campuses offer high-interest pathways for students that result in a competitive advantage upon graduation. Both campuses:

  • Prepare students for career and college success;

  • Offer applied learning opportunities in the classroom and the community;

  • Are aligned to 21st century education and industry-based standards;

  • Provide opportunities for students to earn stackable credentials; and

  • Offer opportunities for advanced coursework (e.g. dual enrollment) and work-based learning (with co-op learning offered only at Dean).

At North Campus, students begin their 9th grade year in the Freshman Academy and then will select one of three theme-based academies—Performing and Media Arts, Community and Global Studies, or Engineering and Life Science—for grades 10-12.

At Dean Campus, students initially explore and later select one of nine career, vocational and technical education (CVTE) programs. 

In January, eighth-grade students from all three middle schools will tour the North and Dean campuses to see the facilities, meet faculty and students, and learn about the academic and extracurricular activities available. These visits will help inform students' selection of which campus to attend next fall. Tours are being offered on the following dates:

  • Sullivan students: Visit North on Monday, January 8; visit Dean on Thursday, January 25

  • Holyoke STEM students: Visit North on Tuesday, January 9; visit Dean on Tuesday, January 23

  • Metcalf students: Visit North on Tuesday, January 9;  visit Dean on Friday, January 26

Family members and students are also welcome to attend an open house at each campus:

  • Tuesday, January 9 from 5:30-7 p.m. at Holyoke High School North, 500 Beech Street

  • Wednesday, January 24 from 4-5:30 p.m. at Holyoke High School Dean Campus, 1045 Main Street

Please note that the Dean Campus requires an application process.