Academic Department
At Greater Lawrence Technical School the role of academics extends beyond traditional classroom learning. Our academic curriculum serves the dual purpose of providing students with a well-rounded education to support them in their future academic pursuits, as well as in their chosen career areas. This holistic approach recognizes the importance of educating the whole student by offering a strong academic foundation in conjunction with career technical education skills.
Academics at GLTS cover a range of content areas including mathematics, science, English language arts, social studies, health, and physical education. By engaging with a broad range of subjects, students are able to explore different fields of study and discover their interests and passions.
The study of each subject aims to develop students' critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and communication skills — equipping them with the growth mindset they will need to become lifelong learners capable of adapting to new challenges in both their professional and personal lives.
Our Academic Programs
College Prep
College prep courses are designed to prepare high school students for college-level coursework, helping them develop the academic skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in college and make a successful transition to higher education or a career.
Offered in English, math, science, and social studies, these courses provide rigorous instruction that requires critical thinking, problem-solving, and independent learning. Students also develop important life skills like time management, study habits, and organizational skills.
Honors
Honors courses challenge students with more in-depth and rigorous coursework than college prep courses, providing an opportunity to engage in deeper learning and critical thinking.
These courses cover the same standards as college prep but at an accelerated pace and with greater depth and complexity. Enrolling in honors courses allows students to demonstrate intellectual curiosity, develop advanced critical thinking skills, and challenge themselves academically.
Dual Enrollment
GLTS offers a Dual Enrollment program in partnership with Middlesex Community College (MCC), allowing eligible students to enroll in college-level courses while completing their high school education.
Students earn both high school and college credits simultaneously, gaining exposure to college expectations and resources. Participants also benefit from MCC's campus resources, including academic support services.
Academic Departments
Mathematics
Students develop essential quantitative reasoning and problem-solving skills through a curriculum that integrates real-world applications, building a strong foundation in algebra, geometry, statistics, and advanced concepts.
Courses
- Algebra I & Honors Algebra I
- Geometry & Honors Geometry
- Algebra II & Honors Algebra II
- Advanced Algebra and Statistics
- Honors Precalculus
Science
The curriculum fosters inquiry-based learning, scientific literacy, and real-world problem-solving through hands-on labs, research, and collaborative projects that build critical thinking and data analysis skills.
Courses
- Biology 1 & 2 (Honors & CP)
- Chemistry (Honors & CP)
- Physics (Honors & CP)
- Anatomy and Physiology (Honors & CP)
English Language Arts
Our curriculum fosters strong reading, writing, speaking, and critical thinking skills through the study of literature and nonfiction texts. Students analyze a variety of genres and refine their writing to become effective communicators.
Courses
- English 9, 10, 11, and 12
- Honors English
- English Composition I & II (dual enrollment)
Social Studies
Students analyze historical events, explore cultural perspectives, and develop civic responsibility through thematic and chronological approaches. Critical thinking and research skills are emphasized to help students become informed citizens.
Courses
- Modern World History (Honors & CP)
- U.S. History I & II (Honors & CP)
- History of World Civilization After 1500 (dual enrollment)
Multilingual Learners Education (MLE)
Students identified as multilingual learners are enrolled in a sheltered English immersion (SEI) program model consisting of sheltered content instruction and English Language Development (ELD). All curriculum aligns with Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and applicable national standards.
English Language Development (ELD)
Open to multilingual learners in all grades, ELD provides explicit, direct, and systematic instruction to promote second language acquisition and English language proficiency across all four language domains: speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
Instruction is tailored to students' English language proficiency using WIDA English Language Development Standards. Student progress is assessed annually through ACCESS testing.