3 new charter schools approved in Mass.

MALDEN, Mass. — Three new charters schools are slated to open in Massachusetts after the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education voted for approval.

"These schools will give families additional high-quality options," said Secretary of Education James A. Peyser.

The following charter schools were approved:

Hampden Charter School of Science West -- Westfield 

The school will open in 2018, starting with grades sixth through ninth and then expanding through 12th grade. The school will have a math and science focus and allow students living in Agawam, Holyoke, Westfield and West Springfield.

Map Academy Charter School - Plymouth 

Will also open in 2018, and will serve high school aged students from Carver, Plymouth and Wareham. It will be an alternative high school, serving those who have dropped out of school or who are at risking of dropping out.

Old Sturbridge Academy Charter Public School -- Sturbridge

This elementary school will open in the fall, initially enrolling students from kindergarten through third grade, and later expanding to K-8. Students from Sturbridge, Brimfield, Brookfield, Holland, Monson, North Brookfield, Palmer, Southbridge, Spencer-East Brookfield, Wales and Webster will be allowed to enroll. The school will offer project-based learning, an emphasis on character development and access to museum resources at Old Sturbridge Village.

Along with the new charter schools, the board voted to expand four existing charter schools.

Cox Media Group