Your Guide to the Hilltop
Welcome to the Hilltop!
We are excited to welcome you to Worcester Academy and look forward to seeing you on campus this fall!
This page is designed to help you prepare for the start of the 2026–27 school year with important dates, orientation details, required forms, and helpful resources for new students and families.
To note, parents/guardians will continue using their existing Blackbaud/myHILLTOP login credentials to access parent resources and school information. You should use the same login information created during the admissions process.
Students will receive their Worcester Academy email address and login credentials from the Information Technology Office in mid-June. Students should first activate their Worcester Academy email account, as it is used to access myHILLTOP and other campus systems. Once activated, students can log into myHILLTOP to view schedules, assignments, and other important school information.
If you need additional assistance at any point, please feel free to contact Jacqueline Arce, Head of the Middle School at jacqueline.arce@worcesteracademy.org.
Next Steps
| Submit Final Transcripts |
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| At the conclusion of your current school year, send your final official transcript to Worcester Academy. Transcripts may be submitted via your admission account or e-mailed to admission@worcesteracademy.org. This is a required step for enrollment, and we cannot finalize your schedule or complete your registration until it is received. We encourage you to follow up with your current school to ensure it is sent as soon as it becomes available. |
| Complete Health Forms |
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All students must complete health and medical forms through the Magnus Health portal prior to arrival to campus. Students who have not completed their forms will not be able to attend classes or participate in co-curricular activities. Magnus is accessed through your myHILLTOP account under the Resources section. (As a reminder for parents/guardians, this is the same login as your Blackbaud Admission portal.) The process includes submitting medical history, emergency contacts, and all required documentation such as physicals or immunization records. Complete forms by July 1 to ensure clearance for the start of school. Until forms are submitted, you will receive reminder notifications. All emergency contact information and medication details must be completed and kept up to date in Magnus Health. This includes listing parent/guardian contacts, authorized emergency contacts, and any medications or health needs. Accurate information is critical to ensuring student safety and allowing our Health Services team to provide appropriate care if needed. Questions about Magnus Health should be directed to Kelly Rizy, Director of Health Services. |
| Course Selection Form-New 7th & 8th Graders |
| Students entering grades 7 and 8 must complete the Middle School Course Selection Form. This includes selecting a world language, choosing a time for math placement testing, and indicating art preferences for 8th grade. This information is required to build your student’s schedule, so please complete the form by the stated deadline. Sixth grade students do not need to complete this form. |
| Complete Your Summer Reading & Assignments |
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Summer Reading: Summer reading is an important part of preparing for the academic year at Worcester Academy. Each Middle School grade level has an assigned text to read before the start of school, along with accompanying assignments. Please review the grade-level requirements below. |
| Purchase School Supplies & Books |
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School Supplies: Families should review the required school supply list and arrive prepared for the start of classes. Click here to view the school supply list. |
| Review the Dress Code |
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Please review the full dress code in the Student Handbook (page 37) before the start of the school year. A few reminders that often cause confusion:
When in doubt, please refer to the Student Handbook for complete dress code guidelines. |
| Determine Transportation |
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Families should determine their transportation plans before the start of the school year, including whether students will be driven to campus or utilize Worcester Academy’s bus service. Families interested in Worcester Academy’s bus service should be on the lookout for bus routes, schedules, and registration information over the summer. If you are interested in bus transportation, please contact Marnie Kut, Associate Head of School. As the school year approaches, you will receive detailed information about campus access, drop-off locations, and parking procedures. Students who plan to park on campus must register their vehicle and obtain a parking pass. Families should review all campus safety guidelines to ensure a smooth and secure start to the year. |
| Plan for After School |
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Worcester Academy offers a structured after-school program that provides a safe, supervised environment for students after the academic day. This program includes a mix of activities, homework time, and enrichment options designed to support students and families. All students must be picked up by 6:00 PM. There is no cost, but families must complete the enrollment form that will be sent over the summer. Students also have the opportunity to participate in a variety of after school offerings, including athletic teams, theater productions, and the Maker Space, allowing them to explore interests, develop new skills, and connect with peers. |
Account Setup & Resources
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Important Dates
As the start of the school year approaches, please review the important dates below. These events are designed to help new students and families transition smoothly into life at Worcester Academy and prepare for a successful start to the year. Families are also encouraged to review the full 2026-2027 Academic Calendar for additional key dates, school breaks, and community events.
| August 27, 2026-New Family Meet & Greet |
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| Join us for a relaxed evening designed to help new families feel at home before the school year begins. Enjoy light refreshments, meet members of the Middle School team, connect with returning parents, and get answers to your questions about life at Worcester Academy. While families gather, students will have an opportunity to spend time with their advisor and student buddy, helping them begin building connections before the first day of school. |
| September 1, 2026-New Student Orientation |
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Students: 8:00 AM-12:30 PM Orientation is an important opportunity for all new students and families to begin their Worcester Academy experience. The morning will include sessions for both students and adults, with dedicated programming for families until 10:00 AM. We encourage all adults to attend, as we will share important information about the year ahead and introduce key members of our community. After the adult sessions conclude, families will be asked to return at 12:30 PM to the Performance Center at New Balance Performance Park (14 Marion Avenue) for student pick-up. During orientation, students will meet classmates and faculty, become familiar with campus resources, and receive their school laptop and student ID. |
| September 2, 2026-First Day of School |
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School photos will be taken, so students should dress in their school best. Please note, the after-school program begins on September 3. |
| September 17, 2026-Back to School Night |
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Thursday, September 17, 6:30-9:00 PM Back to School Night is an opportunity for parents and guardians to meet their child’s teachers, learn about course expectations, and gain insight into the curriculum and major units of study for the year. Additional details and schedules will be shared as the event approaches. |
Middle School Co-Curricular Activities
Middle School students at Worcester Academy are encouraged to get involved beyond the classroom through a wide range of athletics, arts, clubs, and after school opportunities. These programs are an important part of the student experience, helping students build friendships, explore new interests, and develop confidence.
Additional information about specific after school offerings will be shared in the summer. Students will also learn more about activities during orientation and in the first weeks of school, making it easy to find the right fit and get involved early.
| Athletics |
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Middle School students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of athletic offerings throughout the year. Students are encouraged to stay active, try new sports, and be part of a team. Practices typically run from 3:00–4:15 PM on weekdays (except Wednesdays when school is dismissed at 1:35 PM and practices often start earlier). This fall, we will offer Middle School Cross Country, Flag Football, Soccer, and Volleyball. |
| Arts |
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The arts are an important part of Middle School life, with opportunities to participate in visual arts, music, and performance. Students can explore creative interests through both classes and extracurricular involvement, building skills and confidence along the way. Students interested in the performing arts are encouraged to participate in Worcester Academy's theater program. Rehearsals are typically held after school from 3:00–5:30 PM on weekdays, with additional rehearsals and performances taking place on select weekends. Middle School students have the opportunity to participate in two major productions next year, including the all-school fall musical, Frozen: The Broadway Musical, and the Middle School spring play, Adventure by J.D. Atkins. |
| Clubs & Service Groups |
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Students can participate in a wide range of clubs and community activities that reflect their interests and passions. Clubs meet during the academic day and may include opportunities such as yearbook, video production, cheerleading, affinity groups, and other student-led activities. Programming evolves each year based on student interest, and students are encouraged to propose new clubs and help shape the community through leadership and involvement. In addition, every student is assigned to a service group that meets during the academic day, providing regular opportunities to engage with the local community and develop a commitment to service. |
