The Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity (METCO) is a voluntary desegregation program funded by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts that aims to expand educational opportunities, increase diversity, and reduce racial isolation by allowing students from certain cities to attend public schools in participating communities. Wellesley has been a part of the METCO program since its inception in 1966 and hosts 158 students from Boston in grades K-12 each year.

The METCO Family Friends Program supports the successful integration of families with students in the METCO program into their elementary school community so that they benefit fully from all academic and social opportunities. METCO students are matched with Wellesley students, usually in the same grade or class, to become "Family Friends." The Wellesley Family Friends provide a "home away from home" for the Boston students and serve as a valuable resource and contact for their Boston family. They communicate about school news and functions, help with questions or concerns, and provide a sense of security and belonging.

The first Wednesday afternoon of every school month (except September and January) is a Stay Day Playdate for Family Friends. The Wellesley family hosts an after school playdate for their friend from Boston.  It allows Boston students to spend time with Wellesley students outside of school, explore the Wellesley community, and build friendships that can endure through middle school, high school, and beyond.

If you are interested in finding out more information about METCO programs at Hunnewell or becoming a METCO Family Friend, please email metco@hunnewellpto.org.

​For more information about METCO you can visit the Friends of Wellesley METCO website (an independent nonprofit that helps to support the goals of the Wellesley METCO program).