PLEASE NOTE: ISP Program Decision letters have been delayed until the week of May 23rd.

The Intensive Studies Program (ISP) is an optional middle school program drawing students from across the city who are committed to working within an academically challenging environment. The Intensive Studies Program is currently located at the Kennedy Longfellow School and the Peabody School.

For questions, please contact the family liaisons:

Sharon Fernandes
Kennedy-Longfellow School
sfernandes@cpsd.us
617-349-4865

Nicole Sullivan
Peabody School
nsullivan@cpsd.us
617-349-6530 x1101

ISP applications for current 5th grade students are now being accepted for the fall of 2011. Deadline for ISP applications is Friday, April 29, 2011. ISP acceptance letters will be mailed out the week of May 16th, 2011. The process has been slightly delayed by the Innovation Agenda, but details will follow. There will be an ISP program next school year but at this point the ISP Program is only guaranteed for the 2011/2012 school year.

Applications are available at the Family Resource Center or online and must be submitted to:

Family Resource Center, 15 Upton St., Cambridge, MA 02139

Frequently Asked Questions regarding the Intensive Studies Program

Who is eligible for ISP?

• Current 5th grade students.
• Students will be considered eligible if they meet ONE out of the three criteria listed below:
  • One page essay indicating why they are interested in the program.
  • Current year grades of B or better, or equivalent based on the reporting process used by their school.
  • Teacher recommendation.

How do I apply for ISP?

• An application with the requirements must be submitted to the Family Resource Center.
• Students currently in 6th or 7th grade can submit an application at any time. Applications for the 7th and 8th grade ISP are processed by date of application and assignments are made as seats become available.

 Can I apply to both schools for ISP?

• Yes, parents and students may apply for the ISP program at either one school or both schools. 

How are assignments made to the ISP?

• Once all applications are reviewed, the Family Resource Center will oversee a lottery and assignment process.
• A variety of diversity factors will be used to assign students to ISP. As outlined in the Cambridge Public Schools Controlled Choice Plan, significant factors that will determine eligible applicants include: parent’s school selection, SES (Socio-Economic Status), Gender in addition to prior school attended in Cambridge.

How are the waitlists determined?

• If a parent applies to only one school (Peabody or Kennedy-Longfellow) on their application and the student is not assigned to the program, he/she will be placed on the ISP waitlist for the school applied.
• If a parent applies to both schools and the student is not assigned to either program, he/she will be placed on the ISP waitlists at both schools.
• If a parent applies to both schools and the student is assigned to their 2nd choice school, he/she will be placed on the waitlist for their 1st choice school.