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Academic Courses

Mathematics

Mathematics courses at Greater Lawrence Technical School equip students with essential quantitative reasoning and problem-solving skills through a curriculum that integrates real-world applications. Students build a strong foundation in algebra, geometry, statistics, and advanced concepts, preparing them for STEM fields and technical careers.

Teachers facilitate discovery by balancing direct instruction with exploration, using scaffolded support and strategic questioning to promote independence and critical thinking. Mistakes are embraced as learning opportunities, fostering resilience and continuous improvement. Structured group work and math discussions create a supportive environment where students articulate their reasoning, collaborate effectively, and refine their problem-solving abilities.

Courses include

  • Algebra I
  • Honors Algebra I
  • Geometry
  • Honors Geometry
  • Algebra II
  • Honors Algebra II
  • Advanced Algebra and Statistics
  • Honors Precalculus

Science

The Science Department at Greater Lawrence Technical School fosters inquiry-based learning, scientific literacy, and real-world problem-solving through hands-on experiences in biology, chemistry, and physics. Students engage in labs, research, and collaborative projects to develop critical thinking, data analysis, and reasoning skills.

Emphasizing discovery over memorization, the curriculum integrates mathematical reasoning and evidence-based argumentation to strengthen scientific literacy. By building confidence, perseverance, and communication skills, GLTS prepares students for technical careers and lifelong learning in a rapidly evolving world.

Courses include

  • Biology 1 & 2
  • Honors Biology 1 & 2
  • Chemistry
  • Honors Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Honors Physics
  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Honors Anatomy and Physiology

English Language Arts

English Language Arts courses at Greater Lawrence Technical School are designed to help students develop the communication and literacy skills necessary for success in postsecondary education and careers. 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, engage in meaningful discussions, and refine their writing abilities to become effective communicators.

Courses include

  • English 9, 10, 11, and 12
  • Honors English
  • English Composition I and II (dual enrollment)

Social Studies

Social Studies courses at Greater Lawrence Technical School provide students with a comprehensive understanding of history, government, and economics through thematic and chronological approaches. Through engaging coursework, students analyze historical events, explore cultural perspectives, and develop civic responsibility. Critical thinking and research skills are emphasized to help students become informed and engaged citizens.

Courses include

  • Modern World History (Honors and CP)
  • U.S. History I & II (Honors and CP)
  • History of World Civilization After 1500 (dual enrollment)

Multilingual Learners Education (MLE)

Students identified as multilingual learners who qualify for the English Learners Program at Greater Lawrence Technical School are enrolled in a sheltered English immersion (SEI) program model. This program consists of two components: sheltered content instruction, where teachers use a variety of approaches, strategies, and methodologies to make the content of lessons more comprehensible; and academic language development to support the mastery of content standards.

At GLTS, sheltered content instruction is taught by a qualified content area teacher and is based on district-level curriculum aligned to the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and applicable national standards. Students categorized as Newcomers through Level 3 are enrolled in core academic classes with an SEI-endorsed content teacher, as well as a member of the ML Department, to provide language support and instruction.

English Language Development (ELD)

Open to multilingual learners in all grades as identified through WIDA ACCESS scores and other data, 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 and Performance Definitions to monitor ongoing student performance. Student progress is assessed annually through ACCESS testing.