Richardson Middle School named NELMS Spotlight School

Dracut Public Schools announced that Justus C. Richardson Middle School has been named one of 25 Spotlight Schools for the 2026-2027 school year by the New England League of Middle Schools (NELMS).

The district applied for the honor by submitting a self-assessment of the school's operations and school-based data. Schools that meet NELMS' base criteria are then visited by two or three evaluators with expertise in middle-level education, who interview staff, students and parents and use a rubric to assess curriculum, instruction and school climate.

Through that process, NELMS found that Richardson Middle School is deeply committed to student success and student well-being, and noted the school's comprehensive instruction as students transition between grade levels. NELMS also highlighted the school's SST program, which provides additional academic, social and behavioral support to students who need it.

Richardson Middle School scored 52.5 out of 54 on the NELMS evaluation scale. NELMS cited three key findings from the evaluation: instruction, school climate and a strong school leadership team.

Principal Maria McGuinness said in a statement, "We are deeply honored to be named a NELMS Spotlight School. This recognition is a reflection of the hard work, passion, and dedication of our entire school community, our exceptional teachers, supportive families, and, most importantly, our wonderful students."

Superintendent Steven Stone said in a statement that the school was built more than a decade ago as part of a district-wide grade reconfiguration emphasizing "rigorous, developmentally responsive instruction within small, caring learning communities," and credited McGuinness, her leadership team, educators, staff, students, families and the School Committee for their commitment.

As a result of the designation, Richardson Middle School will receive a Spotlight School banner and will be able to host visits from other middle schools to model best practices.

NELMS is a Massachusetts-incorporated nonprofit with 300 member schools that offers content, instructional strategies and leadership support aimed at school improvement.

Source: Dracut Public Schools announcement, October 22, 2026.

Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the original announcement. It was corrected where it differed.