Abbott Lawrence Academy students are challenged and pushed to reach their full potential. With a real-world focus in mind, our curriculum is intentionally designed to ensure students can meet the standards of higher education sooner, with the guidance, help and backing of the academy staff.
Students will complete a rigorous set of courses that are structured to build the educational foundation that is needed to strive in pursuit of higher education.
Accelerated Course Levels That the Academy Offers
Based on rigor, courses in the subject areas of English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Spanish are designated as follows:
- Early College (EC) – Courses taken at Merrimack College through our partnership program.
- Advanced Placement (AP®) – This is a program of college-level courses and exams for 10 – 12th grade students sponsored by the College Board.
- Pre-Advanced Placement (AP®) – Aligned with College Board, these courses serve as pre-requisites to prepare students for the demands of AP® courses.
- Advanced Honors – Given the highly selective admissions process and rigorous academic program, this is our base level for courses.
More Than a Curriculum
At Abbott Lawrence Academy, education extends far beyond the classroom and the courses students take. While academic rigor and college preparation are central to the ALA experience, we believe that preparing students for success means developing the whole person. Through meaningful relationships, leadership opportunities, extracurricular involvement, community service, and partnerships beyond our school, students are encouraged to discover their strengths, explore their interests, and develop the confidence and independence to shape their futures. We challenge students to take ownership of their learning while providing the support, guidance, and sense of belonging they need to grow. Just as importantly, we foster a strong sense of responsibility to one another, our local community, and the world beyond it. Ultimately, an ALA education is about more than preparing students for college or a career; it is about preparing them to lead purposeful, successful, and engaged lives.
Co-Curricular
At Abbott Lawrence Academy, learning extends beyond the classroom through experiences that connect academic growth with real-world application and personal development. Students engage in college visits, postsecondary planning, career exploration, leadership opportunities, and school-wide programming that celebrates culture, community, and identity. A commitment to 25 hours of community service annually further reinforces the importance of civic responsibility and giving back. These experiences complement classroom learning while helping students develop the skills, awareness, and confidence to navigate life beyond high school.
Enrichment
At ALA, enrichment opportunities challenge students to look beyond traditional coursework and explore new interests, ideas, and possibilities. Through advanced academic experiences, college courses, guest speakers, educational excursions, cultural experiences, and college and career exploration, students are exposed to opportunities that broaden their perspectives and deepen their understanding of the world around them. These experiences encourage intellectual curiosity, stretch students beyond their comfort zones, and help them discover new pathways for personal and academic growth. Whether exploring an emerging interest or pursuing an established passion, students are encouraged to take advantage of opportunities that expand what they believe is possible.
Extracurricular
We believe that some of the most meaningful aspects of a student's education happen outside the classroom. Through athletics, clubs, student government, the arts, and a variety of student-led organizations, ALA students have opportunities to discover their interests, develop their talents, and build lasting relationships. Students are expected to participate in at least one extracurricular activity each year, fostering a culture of involvement, collaboration, and school pride. Because many of our activities are created and led by students, these opportunities evolve with the interests, passions, and leadership of each new generation of ALA students.
Building a sense of duty through citizenship
At Abbott Lawrence Academy, we believe that being part of a community comes with both privileges and responsibilities. Citizenship goes beyond community service; it is reflected in the respect we show others, the choices we make, and our commitment to contributing positively to the world around us. Through service, leadership, and community engagement, students develop an understanding of their responsibility to their school, Lawrence, and the broader world. Ultimately, we strive to prepare students to become informed, compassionate, and engaged citizens who recognize that their actions can make a meaningful difference.
Sample of Community Service Partners
- Bread & Roses
- Lawrence History Center
- Habitat for Humanity ReStore
- Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence
- Magic Barn
- Aaron's Presents
- Lazarus House Ministries
- Cor Unum Meal Center
Forming a sense of unity through teamwork
At Abbott Lawrence Academy, athletics provide students with opportunities to build character, develop leadership, and strengthen connections beyond the classroom. As student-athletes, students are held to high expectations and learn the importance of teamwork, discipline, perseverance, accountability, and sportsmanship. Competing at the Division I level alongside Lancers from Lawrence High School allows students to experience the excitement and challenge of high-level athletics while benefiting from the close-knit support of a smaller school community. Many ALA student-athletes also serve as leaders and role models, strengthening connections across grade levels. We believe athletics should foster personal growth, healthy competition, and a sense of pride in representing ALA, both on and off the field.
Do you think we are the right fit for you?
Abbott Lawrence Academy is a community built on high expectations, meaningful relationships, and a shared commitment to growth. We are looking for students who are curious, motivated, willing to embrace challenges, and eager to contribute to something larger than themselves. ALA students take ownership of their learning, support one another, and recognize that being part of our community comes with both opportunities and responsibilities. If you are looking for a school that will challenge you, support you, and encourage you to discover your full potential, ALA may be the right fit for you.
