AMSA Overview

The Advanced Math & Science Academy Charter School (AMSA) is a seven year, comprehensive public school, educating students in grades 6-12. AMSA opened its doors in 2005 and is located in Marlborough, Mass., about 35 miles west of Boston.

AMSA's goal is to bring quality education, typically available only at exclusive private or exam schools, to an all-inclusive public school setting. AMSA’s teaching model is centered on providing a rigorous college-oriented education for all students. We believe that children of diverse backgrounds with a wide range of abilities can achieve a world-class education if given the opportunity to apply themselves diligently.

Admittance to AMSA is based on a space-availability lottery conducted annually in late winter. Lottery info is found on the Admissions page.

Soar With Us!

Read more about AMSA's
culture and ideals.

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Pursuit of Excellence

Every school has a story to tell. Ours begins and ends with academic excellence.

Since our founding in 2005, AMSA’s mission has been to “create an atmosphere of celebration of knowledge where children of all backgrounds and abilities excel in all subjects, especially in math, science and technology, empowering them to succeed in the workplace in our modern high-tech world.”

Today, AMSA is ranked the #2 public high school in Massachusetts (US News & World Report). Our students regularly excel on standardized and AP tests – not only in math and science, but also in humanities.

AMSA’s curriculum challenges students to achieve their excellence. We introduce advanced subjects in the Lower School (grades 6-8), building a solid foundation for higher-level coursework in the Upper School (grades 9-12).

AMSA students took a total of 504 AP Exams in the 2020-2021 school year. 88% of students scored 3, 4, or 5 on at least one exam. 86% of the class of 2021 took at least one AP course while at AMSA.

Every AMSA student receives comprehensive training in mathematical thinking and analysis - the foundation skills necessary for success in college/graduate learning as well as STEM and other careers. They learn not just what to think, but how to think, using critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are future-proof.

AMSA’s flagship science research program offers students the opportunity to conduct graduate school level research in the 10th-12th grades. Students conduct independent research in areas such as Molecular Biology, Geochemistry, Wildlife Management, and Engineering.

A new scanning electron microscope donated by Thermo Fisher Scientific is taking the science program to new heights. This unprecedented gift – the only electron microscope in use at a public high school in the U.S. – gives AMSA students unrivaled learning and research opportunities normally found only in college science labs.

In our labs, learning is an adventure. It’s a place where curiosity is celebrated, mistakes are part of the journey, and creativity takes the lead. When students feel safe to take risks and stretch their thinking, that’s when real learning — and the love for it — begins.

Ms. Christina Jagielski
SCIENCE DEPT. CHAIR

Instilling a Love For Learning

I like to open students’ potential and to see them discovering new things for the first time. It is a fascinating experience to witness these discoveries!
LYUBOV SHMIDT, MATH DEPARTMENT CHAIR

AMSA’s passionate, enthusiastic educators come from all over the world, from both teaching and private sector backgrounds. They continually inspire our students, spark their creativity and passion for learning, and prepare them for life after AMSA.

Classrooms at AMSA are never dull! Students are continually challenged to learn more, do more, and experience more than they ever thought possible. We give our teachers the freedom to innovate – and they take it from there. By adopting diverse teaching methods and introducing new ideas, they create learning environments that inspire the “Aha!” moments when a new concept becomes clear to a student. Cross-disciplinary teaching links subjects such as history, language, art, math, and science to a common theme or time period. This approach puts ideas and subjects in context. Collaborative projects between classes spark students’ curiosity and give them even deeper understanding of subjects.

You’re in the Right Place

AMSA is a great community who deeply cares about our students’ advanced academic education and about students as a whole.
RAQUEL GELBER
MATH TEACHER

Our students come from many different places and backgrounds but have one thing in common – they are all Eagles!

Small grade sizes foster camaraderie and friendships that last beyond graduation. Grade level gatherings and all-school celebrations give students a sense of belonging.

Developing outstanding character is as important as grades. Students are recognized for reflecting AMSA’s Core Values of Integrity, Excellence, and Community. Eagle Awards are given to Lower School students who exemplify AMSA’s culture of respect for oneself and for others.

AMSA has high expectations, but we provide a high level of support every step of the way. Faculty and counselors strive to help students achieve not only academic success but also social and emotional balance. AMSA’s Student Services and ELL departments assist students to get the most out of their experience at AMSA.

Our vibrant PTO and Alumni organization keep AMSA spirit alive on and off campus.

We believe that if we care for all students and give them a rich and varied experience while here at AMSA, then they will grow into well-rounded young adults who are prepared to take on the world!

Pushing the Education Boundaries

Learning at AMSA is not confined to the classroom.

Ideas taught in class come to life on grade trips, field trips, and our growing roster of international trips. Closer to home, natural areas adjacent to campus are a living laboratory for classes to study biodiversity, sustainability, and different ecosystems.

More than 30 clubs and academic teams allow students to step outside their coursework and outside their comfort zones to explore diverse interests and talents, make new friends, learn to collaborate, and acquire leadership skills.

Students frequently participate in community service projects, contributing hundreds of hours of their time each year directly to non-profits and raising money for charitable causes.

AMSA is fortunate to reside in a high-tech corridor. Through our corporate partnership program, Upper School students have tremendous opportunities to engage with local scientists, engineers, and other professionals. Local companies provide summer internships to AMSA students, send guest speakers to classes, and offer mentoring and job shadowing opportunities.

AMSA’s Athletics program promotes sportsmanship, citizenship, and high expectations to ensure that our student-athletes are successful on the field of play and off. We offer 40 different teams playing at Varsity, Junior Varsity, Freshman and Middle School levels. Our athletes learn leadership, teamwork, respect, dedication, and other traits that complement what they learn in the classroom.

At AMSA, our student-athletes embody passion, hard work, consistency, and dedication in everything they do. Athletics is about more than competition; it’s about growth, leadership, and representing our school community with pride and purpose.

Jaquan James AMSA Athletic Director