2026/2027 Middle School Lottery Information
2026/2027 Middle School Lottery Information
Dear Parents and Caregivers of Grade 5 Students,
I am writing to share important information with you regarding the transition of Grade 5 students to Medford’s middle schools next year. We want you to be prepared for the April lottery that will determine the middle school your child will attend in the fall of 2026.
How the 2026 Lottery Works
The 2026 lottery will follow the protocol established in 2019. Grade five students from each elementary school will be assigned to one of the two middle schools. The following exemptions may apply:
1. Sibling Preference
Sibling preference is designed to support families by ensuring their children can attend the same school concurrently unless placement of a low incidence special education or English learner program is available at only one of the middle schools. That means, for example, current grade 5 students who have a sibling in grade 6 or 7 at either middle school as of August 2025 will be granted a sibling preference placement to that specific school upon request.
- Please note: Sibling preference will not include younger siblings attending McGlynn Elementary School.
2. English Learner (EL)
Medford’s middle school English learner program is located at the McGlynn Middle School. All grade 5 students requiring EL services will be assigned to the McGlynn Middle School.
3. Specific Special Education Program Needs
If a student has a specific program-level education need, they will be placed in the school that offers the relevant program.
4. Special Education (non-specific program)
In order to balance the number of students who require special education services, students on IEPs will be divided equally between the two schools, with the assignment determined by a lottery drawing.
Superintendent’s Information Session
There will be a virtual information session about the lottery for all Grade 5 students and their families held on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom. This meeting will be recorded.
Lottery & Assignment Results
All Middle School assignments will be posted on the district website on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. at 3:00 p.m. via student LASID numbers.
- Letters confirming each student’s middle school assignment will be sent to all grade 5 students during the week of April 27, 2026.
Middle School Open Houses
Grade 5 students and their families will be invited to attend an Open House at their assigned middle school to tour the building; learn about programs and activities; and meet their principal, assistant principal, teachers and other school staff.
- The Andrews Middle School Grade 6 Open House is scheduled for Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
- The McGlynn Middle School Grade 6 Open House is scheduled for Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
Timeline of Lottery Events
- Tuesday, March 31, 2026: Superintendent’s Information Session via Zoom at 6:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, April 1, 2026: Sibling Opt-In/Out Form will be emailed to parents/guardians.
- The email will come from mslottery@medford.k12.ma.us
- Tuesday, April 14, 2026: Lottery results posted to the district website at 3:00 p.m. via student LASID Number
- Week of April 27, 2026: Letters with the official middle school assignment will be sent to Caregivers.
- Wednesday, May 6, 2026: Andrews Middle School Orientation - 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
- Thursday, May 7, 2026: McGlynn Middle School Orientation - 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Sincerely,
Dr. Suzanne B. Galusi
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