At Abbott Lawrence Academy, all core courses offered are available at the Advanced Honors level or higher. Our curriculum is designed to support intensive college preparation over a two-year period to ensure that students are equipped to embrace the rigor of Early College courses beginning their junior year.

In the Lawrence High School Early College Program, Abbott Lawrence Academy students are college students. Our partner institution, Merrimack College, is committed to our students’ successful completion of both a high school diploma and at least one semester of college credits.

The Merrimack Early College Program provides students the opportunity to earn up to 24 credits by high school graduation. Students take courses in the following Early College majors/pathways: STEM, Elementary Education, Biochemistry/Premedical, Political Science, Human Development and Human Services. The Merrimack Early College program provides course options that are paired with direct support from an ALA teacher and Early College Associate.

Lawrence High School is recognized as a designated Early College High School. The purpose of the Early College Initiative is to create and maintain partnerships connecting our state’s districts and high schools with our state’s colleges in order to give thousands of Massachusetts students, especially first-generation college-goers, access to college completion and career success.

ALA students are expected to be in uniform/dress code at all times from 8:00am-2:50pm (this includes lunch). Students are only permitted to be out of dress code if they have a Physical Education or JROTC course. Additionally, students are permitted to be out of dress code if they are off-campus for an Early College course. Students are required to change back into dress code before entering their next course. 

• Shirts - All students may wear any of the following: polo shirts, oxford shirts, T-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, turtle necks, sweatshirts, sweaters, or hoodies.

• All tops must be SOLID-colored. Acceptable colors include: black, burgundy/maroon, navy blue, or white.

• Graphic shirts/shirts with designs are not permitted.

• Open sleeved shirts/tank tops are not permitted.

• Shirts must be properly sized with no alterations made. Crop tops (shirts that show midriff) or shirts that are cut or modified to hang off/expose shoulders are not permitted. Students wearing shirts deemed to be inappropriately sized or altered will be subject to disciplinary action and will be required to purchase properly sized uniform shirts.

• Pants - All students may wear the following: belted chino-style pants or sweatpants.

• All pants must be khaki/tan, black, navy blue, burgundy/maroon, or gray. 

• Pants may not be made of denim, jean materials, stretch lycra, spandex, or any other form-fitting material.

• The length of the pant leg must be long enough to cover socks or hosiery. 

• Capri-style pants or shorts are not permitted. 

• Pants are to fit properly, so they are not excessively tight, baggy, oversized, or worn below the waist. 

• Cargo or carpenter style pants are not permitted. 

• Skirts/Jumpers/Dresses - Students may wear skirts or jumpers in khaki/tan, black, navy blue, burgundy/maroon, or gray. The length of the skirt or jumper may be no shorter than one inch (1”) above the middle of the kneecap. Skorts and tight, form-fitting, or slit skirts are not permitted. Denim skirts or jumpers are not permitted. Students are not allowed to wear dresses. 

• Sweaters - Students may purchase navy Blue, white, black, burgundy, or gray crew Neck, V-Neck, or cardigan sweaters to wear above their polo shirts. Sweaters may not have large designs or print on them. No hoodies of any kind are allowed while in the building.

• ALA/LHS Gear - Students are allowed to wear ALA- or LHS-branded gear. However, students may not wear attire from their middle schools.  

*We acknowledge that situations may arise throughout the year where a student may not have access to a uniform. We ask that students have a parent inform us when such situations arise. A parent/guardian can notify the school by phone, email, or note before 8:00am on that day. Staff will handle all situations discreetly to protect the privacy of the student and family.

Abbott Lawrence Academy requires additional graduation requirements on top of MassCore requirements. An overview of our requirements are found below:

• 4 years of English
• 4 years of Mathematics
• 4 years of a World Language (Spanish)
• 3 years of a Laboratory Science
• 3 years of History (including United States and World History)
• 1 year of Speech and Composition
• 1 year of AP Seminar
• 2 semesters of Physical Education
• 2 semesters of Art
• 1 semester of Pre-AP Computer Science
• 1 semester of Health
• 1 semester of First Year Experience
• 1 semester of SAT Prep

Additionally, ALA students must:

• Complete a Capstone Interdisciplinary Research Project each year, which includes the College Board AP Seminar course in their Senior Year. 
• Be involved in at least one sport, club, or extracurricular activity each academic year. 
• Complete a minimum of 25 hours of Community Service per year, totaling at least 100 hours by graduation.