Somerville High School is a fully active, thriving public secondary school in Somerville, Massachusetts. The misconception that the school has “Closed” likely arises from its massive structural transformation. Between 2018 and 2021, the city executed a historic, $256 million redevelopment project. This initiative replaced the aging, historic infrastructure with a state-of-the-art, 396,000-square-foot facility. Today, the school stands open and fully operational, serving as an educational anchor for the local community.

Located at 81 Highland Avenue, Somerville High School educates a diverse student body of roughly 1,300 to 1,400 students in grades 9 through 12. Unlike traditional school districts that separate academic prep from vocational training, this campus operates on a truly integrated, comprehensive model.


The unified curriculum ensures that students preparing for highly competitive four-year universities and those training for immediate summervilleschool.org career entry study under the same roof. The school features an extensive selection of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, dual-enrollment programs with local universities, and dedicated support tracks for English Language Learners.

The defining hallmark of the institution is its Center for Career and Technical Education (CTE). This department offers 14 state-certified vocational programs designed to meet the demands of the modern workforce.

During their freshman year, students participate in a unique Exploratory Program. This initiative allows ninth-graders to rotate through various technical fields before declaring a specific major. The core programs span several vital industries:

• Construction & Trades: Electrical, Carpentry, and HVAC systems.
• Transportation: Automotive Technology and diagnostics.
• Service Industries: Culinary Arts and Cosmetology.
• Technology & Health: Allied Health, Graphic Communications, and Information Support Systems.

A distinct feature of the CTE program is its deep integration into the local economy. The physical building was engineered with public-facing spaces where students manage real-world operations. Local residents regularly visit the campus to utilize a student-run restaurant, a fully licensed hair and beauty salon, and a supervised community daycare program.

The six-story building stands as one of the largest municipal investments in the history of Somerville. Designed with modern educational philosophies in mind, the facility boasts specialized clean-energy ventilation systems, acoustic engineering to optimize learning environments, and flexible classroom layouts that foster collaboration.

Furthermore, the design successfully bridges the past and the future. Architects intentionally preserved and integrated the grand facade of the original 1895 school building into the inner concourse of the new structure. This design element serves as a striking visual reminder of the city’s long-standing dedication to public education.