Nashoba School Committee Sets April 29 Vote on Masters Academy International Approval

NEWBURYPORT -- April 8, 2026, Nashoba Regional School Committee moves toward approval of a $103 million private sports academy. The committee heard a full presentation from Masters Academy International representatives Rich Odell, managing director, and Andrew Williams, head of school, on April 8, deferring a formal vote to the April 29 meeting. MAI, backed by London-based education group Cognita, plans to open September 15 on the former Bose Corporation campus with 300 students, 200 boarders from 28 states and 13 foreign countries and 100 day students, and an ultimate enrollment target of roughly 700. Superintendent Kirk Downing said he would "enthusiastically recommend" committee approval and praised the thoroughness of the district's curriculum review, led by Assistant Superintendent Laura Fang. Members raised questions about Cognita's record of closing UK schools and the district's special education obligations for Massachusetts-resident enrollees. A separate school choice enrollment recommendation, including a contested proposal to admit only four incoming freshmen, was also sent back to Downing for revision ahead of an April 29 hearing.