MassCore
What is MassCore?
MassCore is a state recommended, rigorous program of study that aligns high school coursework with college and workforce expectations.
The recommended program of studies includes:
How Many? Which Subjects?
- 4 years English
- 4 years Math
- 3 years lab-based Science
- 3 years History/Social Science
- 2 years the same foreign language
- 1 year the Arts
- 5 additional “core” courses business education, career and technical education, health, technology or any other above subject area
- additional learning opportunities including • AP classes
- dual enrollment
- senior project/capstone coursework
- online courses for high school or college credit
- service- or work-based learning
MassCore should be considered to be a critical component of a student’s overall high school experience and may also include work-based or community service learning, athletics, extra-curricular activities and additional learning opportunities that help prepare students for their future.
Why MassCore?
- Challenging Courses = Big Financial Rewards
Graduates of four year colleges earn an average of $1.4 million more over a lifetime than high school drop outs. - Preparation for College Success
It’s not just about getting in – it is about finishing.
What Employers Want
- Employers expect you to arrive with essential workplace skills, including speaking and writing clearly, analyzing information, conducting research, and solving complex problems.
More Career Options
- Good jobs require education beyond high school. MassCore gives you more options and more opportunities to find a career with a real future.
INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS & PARENTS
MassCore Information For Students & Parents
Benefits of MassCore
Preparation for College Success
Taking MassCore means you’re more likely to meet admission requirements for Massachusetts’ four-year public colleges and the University of Massachusetts. It gives you a better chance at getting into private colleges too. Beyond this, MassCore can help you be prepared to succeed in college and finish prepared for what’s next.
Paying the Bills
- Consider this: Graduates of four-year colleges earn an average $1.4 million more than high school dropouts. Students who take challenging academic courses like MassCore in high school are more likely to enroll in college, not need academic remediation (which can cost extra time and money), and earn a college degree.
Getting a Job You Want
- If you want a job that will support a family, provide health benefits, and offer a chance for career advancement, you’re likely to need an education beyond high school - at least a two-or four-year degree, apprenticeship program, military training, or workplace license or certification. MassCore provides a solid academic foundation for postsecondary education and helps you to arrive at a job with essential skills that employers want, including speaking and writing clearly, analyzing information, conducting research, and solving complex problems.
Success in Life
- Learning how to learn and being exposed to a wide-range of ideas helps you develop a roadmap for you future, be ready to contribute to your community, and take on the challenges that come your way.
What Can Parents Do?
- Encourage your child to take challenging courses in high school including Honors, dual enrollment, early college and/or Advanced Placement (AP).
- Support your child in doing his or her homework and participating in other school-sponsored activities.
- Make it a point to communicate with your child’s teachers about his or her progress in school.
- Partner with you child and the school to develop an education and career plan so that he or she is ready for what comes next after high school.
What Can Students Do?
- Take at minimum the courses recommended in MassCore.
- Ask for extra help if you need it.
- Work hard in high school. By working hard, you will be better prepared for college and a career.
- Meet with your counselor or advisor to discuss your education and career plans.
MassCore College and Career Ready