About

History of Curtis-Tufts Alternative High School

The Curtis-Tufts High School originated in 1979 as the Curtis Alternative Program housed at the former elementary Curtis School on Paris St in Medford. It was initiated by Special Education Director James Demos in collaboration with Alternative Education Coordinator Roy Belson in response to the emerging need to serve high school age special needs students who required a smaller and more individualized education program and as an alternative to expensive out of district placements. Students who were placed at the Curtis-Tufts generally had a difficult time adjusting to the larger Medford High School environment and needed a more contained setting and personalized educational program. Students placed in the program had to be properly evaluated through a special education team process and have a valid IEP to be eligible. The establishment of the program enabled the district to serve students in their own community. The first Director of the program was Christine McGrath. The program was among the first of its kind in Massachusetts.

When the district consolidated schools in the early 1980's, the program moved to South Medford and occupied the former Tufts Elementary School. The program chose to retain the Curtis name to preserve the positive reputation earned by the program, thus becoming the Curtis-Tufts.

Over the years, the program has successfully helped many high school age students to graduate with a Medford High School diploma, leading to post-secondary education or becoming gainfully employed.