Company Profile

Mystic Valley is a public charter school located in Malden Massachusetts. The school serves more than 1,600 students in grades K-12 on four campuses in Malden: Kindergarten at 576 Eastern Avenue; the lower school (1-8) at 770 Salem Street and the high school (9-12) at 238 and 306 Highland Avenue. The school draws students primarily from the cities of: Everett, Malden, Medford, Melrose, Stoneham and Wakefield. The school has adopted the extended day and extended school year model in which classes go from 8:00 to 3:30 each day of a 200 day school year.

What is a Charter School?

Charter schools are tuition-free public schools of choice financed through local, state, and federal funds which are operated independently of local school boards. Each charter school has its own unique mission that reflects the vison of the school's founders. Charter schools are fully accountable, must meet the educational needs of their students, and must achieve the goals laid out in their charter.
 

Mystic Valley provides equitable opportunities for all students to acquire a world-class education. Mystic Valley believes that schools should focus on what all Americans, and what all human beings, have in common, rather than focusing on what sets us apart. Parents and students can expect a rigorous academic program, a safe and secure campus, a strong Code of Values, and dedicated, enthusiastic teachers committed to providing the best possible learning environment for our students. Students wear a school uniform and are in attendance for 200 days of instruction. The school day is from 8:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. and includes compulsory Spanish language and Character Education programs. 
 

Great teachers and proven curricula are the keys to student success at Mystic Valley. Students in our elementary program are taught Language Arts and Reading through Direct Instruction and Mathematics using the Saxon K-8 Math Series. The science and history/geography curricula follow the Core Knowledge Sequence developed by the eminent educator and author, Dr. E. D. Hirsch. In the High School, the course of study prepares students for the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. Critical to successful implementation of our program is grade level planning done in teams. All courses are aligned with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and standards.

 

 

The Mission of the Mystic Valley Regional Charter School is to provide the opportunity of a world class education characterized by a well-mannered, disciplined and structured academic climate. Central to Mystic Valley's academic environment is the incorporation of selected core virtues and the fundamental ideals of our American Culture, which are embodied in the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution.

Direct Instruction (DI) is a research-based model for teaching that emphasizes well-developed, clearly designed lessons presented in small learning increments. The key beliefs of DI are that teachers are responsible for student learning and that curriculum design is a key factor in student achievement. DI is a highly structured teaching method which features a well-sequenced plan of instruction for reading and language. As DI is based on the mastery learning philosophy, students are grouped and advanced according to their individual abilities and progress.

The Core Knowledge Sequence at Mystic Valley is a detailed outline of specific content in English language arts, math, science, history/geography, music, and art. It provides a coherent foundation of learning while allowing teachers the flexibility to meet student needs. Core Knowledge is incremental in its philosophy, designed to encourage steady growth in student knowledge and skills throughout the K-8 years. Mystic Valley is one of less than a hundred officially certified Core Knowledge Schools in the nation and one of a handful of schools to be designated as a Core Knowledge Visitation School.

Mystic Valley was the first public school in the Boston area to be authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization to offer the IB Diploma Program . The International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) is a nonprofit educational foundation, which grew out of efforts to establish a common curriculum and a university entry credential that are recognized worldwide. The IBO offers the prestigious IB Diploma for the final two years of secondary education and is known throughout the world as one of the most outstanding university preparation programs. The IB places an emphasis on analytical thinking and writing skills and features a demanding curriculum with a global focus.
 

State and federal laws prohibit discrimination in education. Mystic Valley Regional Charter School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, gender identity, homelessness, religion, national origin, disability or sexual orientation with regard to admission, access to programs or activities, or employment opportunities. The school annually evaluates all aspects of our K-12 program to ensure that all students have equal access.