Worcester Cultural Academy Gets No-Cost Literacy Tutoring From State

WORCESTER, MA — After the latest funding round, the state is now helping 365 schools in Massachusetts with literacy tutoring, with a recent addition in Worcester.

Worcester Cultural Academy Charter Public School was one of 84 schools across the state that were selected for free, high-dosage early literacy tutoring, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced on Thursday. The state provided $3.9 million in tutoring funding for February through June 2026.

Worcester Cultural Academy, at 81 Plantation St., is a free, public charter school serving kindergarten through eighth grade. The school, which opened in 2023, faced major pushback prior to its opening over the cost it would put on Worcester Public Schools to operate.

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The initiative is also part of a $25 million investment to fund early literacy tutoring, which has already helped 272 schools in the Bay State. The new round brings that number to 365 schools.

High-dosage tutoring provides one-on-one or small group instruction multiple times per week for at least 10 weeks to help students in kindergarten through third grade, the state said. The program helps students build foundational reading skills, as part of the administration's strategy to improve literacy outcomes across Massachusetts.

“It is essential that teachers and schools have the resources necessary to support every young reader,” said Governor Maura Healey. “This initiative expands access to intensive early literacy tutoring for students who need it most, helping them build the foundational skills critical for long-term success. In partnership with the Legislature, we are delivering the support schools need to ensure every learner can succeed.”

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