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.

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 no later than April 3rd, 2009.
• 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.

Where is the ISP located?

• The Kennedy-Longfellow School (158 Spring St.)
• The Peabody School (70 Rindge Ave.)

 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.

Will the Middle School Proposal impact ISP?

• As you may be aware, the Superintendent has made a proposal to restructure the middle grade programs in Cambridge.  Should a restructuring occur, it would be implemented in September of 2011 and could impact the ISP Program.

How many 6th grade ISP seats are available?

• There are 66 sixth grade ISP seats planned for the 2010-2011 school year.  Currently there are 44 seats at the Peabody ISP and 22 at the Kennedy-Longfellow ISP.  While no expansion in the number of available seats is planned, the final breakout between the two schools will be determined by demand.  However in any case there will be at least one ISP 6th grade at both schools.

When will acceptance letters be mailed out to families? When do families need to make a decision by?

• Acceptance letters to the ISP program will be mailed out the week of April 26, 2010.
• Deadline for Families/Students to Accept or Deny their invitation to ISP is on May 13, 2010.