Students walk through the hallway labeled LCE daily but few students actually know what it means, or what the program offers.
To many students LCE is just “the hallway that leads to gym class,” but in reality it is so much more than that.
The LCE program has a lot to offer, with 48 kids in the program and 4 classrooms. John Vancelette, Principal of LCE shares some insight about the program.
“It was started as an innovation school in 2012, and it became a part of the big picture learning network of schools,” Vancelette explains. LCE stands for Leominster Center for Excellence.
Two days a week LCE students go to approved job sites. We spoke to Elizabeth Malone, Internship Coordinator. “Students figure out what they’re interested in and what they want to learn.” Malone said. “It’s up to them to set up informational interviews.”
She explained that students are in charge of making calls to businesses to obtain an interview. Their goal is to find a work site where they can intern and work with a mentor.
LCE classes are different from classes provided by Leominster High School. Vancelette described the classes as non-traditional and project based. “Ideally that project based learning is rooted in their interests,” said Vancelette.
Some core classes offered are Algebra 1, Geometry and Biology. The rest are project based. LCE has different hours than Leominster High School, they start at 9:00 and get out at 3:30.
LCE students spend most of their day in advisories with their advisor. There are Freshman, Sophomore, Junior and Senior advisories. This is where they complete their project based work.
“If you’re a freshman here, you’ll see 3 to 4 different teachers,” Vancelette said. “If you’re a senior you’ll see 2 to 3.”
This is because seniors have completed their core classes and are focused on their project work.
To get involved with LCE, there’s an application process that includes an interview. The students will also participate in a shadow day. There are no requirements to enroll in LCE, except the desire to be a part of the program.
