BOSTON — Boston Public Schools (BPS) officials announced a major proposal on Saturday to close Charlestown High School, citing a sharp and sustained decline in student enrollment that has prompted a restructuring of the district’s long-term facilities plan.
The recommendation, which sent shockwaves through the local community, was confirmed by Boston City Councilor Gabriela Coletta. In a statement addressing the proposed shutdown, Coletta expressed deep concern over the impact on students and families, and she has formally called for a public hearing to address the recommendation before the district takes further action.
According to data released by the school district, Charlestown High School has experienced a significant downturn in attendance over the last three years. Enrollment figures have plummeted by approximately 30 percent, falling from 820 students to just 559 in the current academic year. Officials point to these shifting demographics as the primary driver behind the decision to include the school in the district’s newly updated Long-Term Facilities Plan.
If the closure proceeds as outlined, it would take effect on June 30, 2028. The proposal outlines a phased transition intended to minimize disruption for current students. Under the plan, students currently in grades 11 and 12 would be permitted to remain at the school to graduate through 2028. However, the school would immediately cease the enrollment of seventh graders for the upcoming fall semester. Students currently enrolled in other grades would receive priority placement and registration assistance at other Boston public schools for the 2028-2029 academic year.
For the community, the news has sparked immediate debate regarding the future of public education in the Charlestown neighborhood. Councilor Coletta and other stakeholders are expected to push for transparency and a deeper analysis of whether the decline can be reversed or if the facility closure is truly the only viable path forward for the district.
The proposal is now headed to the Boston School Committee, which is scheduled to review the recommendation and deliberate on its merits during a meeting set for December 2.
The closure of a major high school represents a significant shift for the city’s education landscape, and parents, educators, and community members are bracing for what is expected to be a contentious public discourse in the coming weeks. Many are questioning how the district plans to support the displaced student body and what will become of the physical infrastructure once the doors shutter.
As of Saturday, district officials have yet to provide additional details regarding the specifics of the transition plan or the fate of the school staff. WCVB will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates as further information becomes available.
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