Our City | About Us | Worcester Academy

Our City

The Power of Place

Our urban setting is a special place that sparks unbridled curiosity, real-world learning, and a passion for both exploring and contributing to one’s community.

With deeply rooted connections to our local neighborhoods, students engage in ways that reveal their capacity to impact others.

A Historic And Diverse City On The Rise

Known as the "city of seven hills," Worcester is a vibrant and thriving city in the midst of an exciting renaissance of growth and innovation. Its unique blend of historic and modern architecture is a testament to the city's rich and varied history.

Worcester is also a diverse city, with over 20% of the population born outside the United States. The city’s tapestry of cultures has given rise to an eclectic arts and culinary scene, and an undeniable spirit of inclusivity.

Just a short walk from campus, The Canal District is home to Polar Park, the Triple A Red Sox, and Fidelity Bank Worcester Ice Center, where our hockey students practice and play.

Middle School students in the city at Polar Park standing near a statue.

Immersive Community Engagement

On any given day, our students engage in meaningful experiences that foster deep connections with our community, expand their world view, and shape them into empowered global citizens.

Select an experience to discover how our students engage with Worcester

Elevating Young Artists

Worcester Academy Middle School student planting seedlings.

Planting Seeds For Hunger Relief

Worcester Academy students from the Urban Ecology class at nearby Elm Park.

Investigating Urban Green Spaces

Fostering Friendship With Our Neighbors

Students standing in front of a painted wall.

Embracing History And Community Through Experiential Learning

Upper School students receiving certificates for their internships with Joseph D. Early Jr. at the Worcester County District Attorney's Office.

Connecting Classroom To Career

Worcester Academy Students at WPI (Worcester Polytechnic Institute).

Discovering The Power Of Technology

Worcester Academy Human Ecology and Public Health students participating in a simulated City Council meeting at Worcester's City Hall.

Engaging With Local Government

Discover The Wonder Of Worcester

An array of activities awaits in Worcester. From ethnic markets and diverse dining experiences to world-class theaters and sporting events, there’s something for everyone.

Worcester offers amenities that rival cities twice its size.

Livability.com

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Arts And Cultural Destinations

Our city boasts a bevy of diverse cultural and artistic wonders on both the world-class and local levels. Discover Monet and Picasso at the Worcester Art Museum, see a concert or play at the historic Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts, or check out stART on the Street—Central Mass' largest art, music, and performance festival.

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Parks

Countless green spaces interspersed throughout our city—including the famed Elm Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmstead—make for peaceful places to immerse oneself in nature, engage in inspired scientific and social field work, or simply enjoy a parkside picnic.

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New Restaurants

Worcester’s culinary landscape is a melting pot of flavors that reflects our rich cultural diversity. The city offers an impressive dining selection, ranging from upscale restaurants to cozy cafes and international eateries. As an ever-rising cultural hotspot, it continues to attract talented restaurateurs from all over the world.

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Ski Trails

Worcester is a winter-lover’s dream, with sporting opportunities both within and beyond the city —including Newton Hill Nordic Ski Park, which features groomed trails great for classic and skate skiing, snowshoeing, and fat-tire biking. From alpine resorts, like Wachusett Mountain, to local cross-country trails, you’ll find offerings that cater to enthusiasts of every kind and skill level.

`20`	Trains Being a well-connected rail city goes beyond convenience. Accessibility to nearby Boston—via historic Union Station—means students and staff can take trips regularly and experience all the wonders a world-renowned city has to offer.

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Local Teams

Worcester sports culture fosters deep community pride, offering fans numerous opportunities to enjoy live sporting events. Our baseball teams include the Worcester Red Sox (WooSox)—the minor league team for the Boston Red Sox—and the Worcester Bravehearts, who develop college-level players for the Futures Collegiate Baseball League. Hockey enthusiasts will revel in watching The Worcester Railers HC—a proud affiliate of the New York Islanders.

“Worcester has been able to maintain and enhance its reputation for higher education.”

BOSTON BUSINESS JOURNAL

A Hub For Higher Education, Healthcare, And Biotech

PRESTIGIOUS COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

Worcester is home to 8 prestigious colleges and universities, including the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), Clark University, and College of the Holy Cross.

Worcester Academy students eating at a restaurant.

Worcester, MA, named one of the best places to live in the U.S.

US NEWS & WORLD REPORT 2023-24

Proximity To Boston

EXPLORING THE CITY

With the great city of Boston just 40 miles away, Hilltoppers regularly embark on chaperoned trips to explore the city's storied history and cosmopolitan culture. Recent trips included our Medical Explorers club visiting the Museum of Medical History and Innovation at Massachusetts General Hospital, Upperclassmen from our AP U.S. History and American Studies in History classes commemorating the anniversary of the Boston Tea Party, and students and faculty celebrating Lunar New Year in Boston's Chinatown.

Explore the Worcester Difference

Where Next?

Discover how Worcester Academy's dynamic programs and welcoming community set students on a path of excellence.

Unlock Your Potential
At Worcester Academy

For over 190 years, Worcester Academy has provided a nurturing environment where students build lasting connections, uncover their passions, cultivate honorable character, and develop a lifelong love of learning.

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