Charleswood School Insights

Dear HPS Community,

I wanted to share an exciting update regarding the future opening of the Charleswood School. Additionally, the districtwide grade-level reconfiguration will take place as part of that transition during the 2027–2028 school year.

While there is still significant work ahead, we are increasingly optimistic. We believe we will be able to open the 2027-2028 school year with students and staff fully in their new spaces.

Grade Configurations:

PreK-1 at Marathon School
Grades 2-4 at Charleswood School
Grades 5-6 at Hopkins School
Grades 7-8 at Hopkinton Middle School
Grades 9-12 at Hopkinton High School

Over the past several months, district administrators, our construction partners, transportation staff, and school leadership teams have been meeting regularly. They have discussed transportation and scheduling scenarios connected to the future grade-level reconfiguration. In addition, they discussed the opening of the new Charleswood School.

As part of this work, we have been evaluating transportation routes, traffic flow, student ride times, and potential school start and end times across the district.

Transportation Options

One thing that has become increasingly clear is that maintaining our current transportation structure and school schedules would likely require a significant increase in transportation costs. These are estimated at approximately $550,000 annually for additional buses and routes.

Alternatively, a more cost-efficient transportation model would require adjustments to school start and end times across the district. This is to accommodate an additional run for most buses. Both approaches present benefits and challenges. These will need to be carefully considered as we continue this planning process.

At this point, no decisions have been made regarding the structures for the 2027–2028 school year. However, because I recognize how impactful these conversations are for families and staff, I wanted to begin sharing this work early. I also want to create opportunities for community input before any decisions are finalized.

Transportation & School Schedule Feedback Survey

We invite staff, families, students, and community members to share feedback via the survey below. This is as we continue to evaluate future transportation and scheduling considerations related to the districtwide grade-level reconfiguration. These considerations are associated with the opening of Charleswood School:

Planning for the 2027–2028 School Year – Transportation & School Schedule Feedback Survey

In addition to the survey, the district will also provide opportunities for community members to ask questions, share feedback, and participate in future discussions throughout the planning process.

My commitment is to approach this process thoughtfully, transparently, and collaboratively, keeping what is best for students at the center of the discussion.

Go Hillers,
Evan Bishop
Superintendent of Schools