Jacob Hiatt Center for Urban Education

the K-17 Collaborative schools

The Hiatt K-17 Professional Development School Collaborative

The Hiatt K-17 Professional Development School Collaborative, a multi-school collaborative formed by the Jacob Hiatt Center for Urban Education at Clark University and the Worcester Public Schools, uniquely integrates a focus on excellent urban teacher preparation with education reform and community renewal.

I derive so much inspiration from what this University has done in terms of establishing a partnership with the local community.

—Lani Guinier, Bennet Bosky Professor of Law
at Harvard Law School, commenting on Clark and UPCS

Collaborative Schools

The Collaborative comprises two elementary schools, a high school, and two small grades 7-12 schools located in the same diverse and predominately poor neighborhood of the city as the University. Together, these schools serve more than 3000 students. The three secondary schools form together the "Main South Secondary Collaborative."

University Park Campus School (grades 7-12) is a joint small school initiative of the University and school district accommodating about 240 students, spanning grades 7-12. UPCS was conceived in 1996 as the centerpiece of a community neighborhood renewal initiative, with a twin dedication to both teacher and student learning. It has become a model of small school effectiveness and of collaborative university-school teacher development.

Claremont AcademyClaremont Academy (grades 7-12) has been newly configured from the A.L.L. School into a small school developing in partnership with the Hiatt Center. It is an important site for Hiatt graduate student work.







Goddard School of Science & TechnologyGoddard School of Science & Technology (grades K-6) is named after the legendary Clark physicist Robert Goddard, and within sight of the University. The Goddard Elementary School is one of the sites for Hiatt graduate students seeking to become elementary school teachers.




Jacob Hiatt Magnet SchoolJacob Hiatt Magnet School (grades K-6) has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for excellence in promoting professional development. The Hiatt Elementary School is a close partner with the Hiatt Center in teacher education.





South High School South High School (grades 9-12) partners with the Hiatt Center in teacher education. South is a large high school with a 1970s-era open space design, undergoing conversion to small learning communities.

For more information, please visit Collaborative Impact and Recognition.