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Holyoke Public Schools is a PreK-12 public school district serving nearly 5,000 students, of whom 80 percent are Latino/Latina, in 13 schools during the 2024-25 school year. We employ nearly 1,300 people who together educate and support a richly diverse community of learners. We’ve invested in recruiting and retaining top quality educators who inspire bold thinking, recognize student potential, and encourage all students to work towards their goals. 

Our Equity Commitments are pledges we are making to address systemic equity challenges. 

• We intentionally build a community that is anti-racist, inclusive, and culturally responsive.

• We ensure that students, families, and staff get the support they need to be successful.

• We seek out and incorporate the voices of those impacted, with a commitment to include those who have been excluded in the past. 

• We promote access and inclusion for all students, staff, and families.

• We respect, embrace and honor the diversity of our students, families, staff, and community.

• We reflect on our own behavior to minimize harm to others.

• We create a culture of acceptance and empathy so that everyone feels valued and is able to contribute to our community’s success.

HPS was placed into receivership by the State of Massachusetts in Spring 2015 because of struggling performance. We have since implemented a Turnaround Plan that has led to expanded opportunities for students to explore the arts, sports, sciences, local and world cultures, early college and work-based learning. Since 2015, HPS has experienced numerous accomplishments, including: 

• A 14-point increase in the district’s graduation rate;

• Doubling access to PreK programming; 

• An 85 percent increase in access to early college programming; and

• A 19-point increase (to 32%) in teachers of color

The City of Holyoke, with a population of about 38,000 residents, is in Hampden County within the Pioneer Valley region of western Massachusetts. The city is located between the Mount Tom Range to the west and the Connecticut River to the east.

Holyoke offers a rich cultural history, a dynamic business sector, and a wide variety of recreational, social, and educational opportunities. The best way to learn about our proud city is to experience it. You can hike, bird watch, ice skate and more at Mount Tom State Reservation. If rowing or paddling is more your speed, you will delight in the beautiful waters of the Connecticut River. There’s lots of shopping to do at Holyoke Mall at Ingleside, which each year draws 20 million visitors. You can also view dinosaur footprints at the Connecticut River Valley Trackways, enjoy Holyoke’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and enjoy a ride on the historic merry-go-round at Holyoke Heritage State Park.

Holyoke developed in the 19th Century as the nation’s first planned industrial community, at one time boasting the greatest paper production in the world. Many artifacts of the city’s pioneering engineering machinery are still on display and in use today, making Holyoke a unique living museum ahead of the curve in the 21st century. To learn more, check out the city’s website page devoted to Holyoke’s fascinating history. The city offers an attractive blend of both urban living and natural serenity, including numerous mill sites, as well as a collection of parks, historic sites and recreation destinations. What else would you expect from the Birthplace of Volleyball?

Education thrives in the Pioneer Valley. Holyoke is at the center of New England’s Knowledge Corridor, which extends from the Vermont border to just below Hartford. There are 15 colleges and universities within 25 miles of Holyoke that provide a wide range of educational opportunities for HPS employees and students. They also help provide skilled graduates to meet the hiring needs of local employers, as does Holyoke High School’s Dean Campus, which partners with area businesses to train and supply skilled workers through customized technical training programs. Dean’s training programs include Advanced Manufacturing, Auto Collision, Carpentry, Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, Diesel Technology, Electrical, Health Assisting, and Programming and Web Development. 

Local organizations work together through the Cooperating Colleges of Greater Springfield, an educational consortium of the eight public and private colleges in the Greater Springfield area. The organization was founded in 1971 to foster sharing of programs, talents, facilities, and educational resources while retaining the initiative and vitality of independent institutions. 

Holyoke is ahead of the curve when it comes to “Green Energy.” The city was built on harnessing the power of the water of the Connecticut River, and that practice continues today through a municipally run dam. In 1847, merchant investors began construction of a dam and canal system along the Connecticut River. Utilizing a natural 57-foot drop in the river, these investors constructed a granite dam and multi-level canal system. With this construction came an elaborate complex of mills and housing for workers, which evolved into the city of today. While many of the historic mills and industries are now gone, a number of structures have been maintained through preservation and revitalization efforts.

Today, two-thirds of the electricity produced by Holyoke Gas & Electric is derived from non-greenhouse gas producing, renewable hydroelectric generation resources. With growing consumer interest in sustainable energy practices, Holyoke’s hydroelectric production capacity is more than just an environmental decision—it makes good business sense.