Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity, Inc. (METCO) was established in 1966. METCO has been the largest voluntary school integration program in the nation. The METCO program has approximately 3,300 students from Boston and Springfield who attend public schools in the participating communities. METCO school integration program is in  33 partner districts in Greater Boston, Massachusetts. Melrose became a METCO town in 1977. The program provides students who are residents of Boston and students who are residents of Melrose an opportunity to interact with each other and benefit from a culturally diverse learning environment.

The Program is a grant program funded by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The grant funds are used for transportation costs, staffing, and supplemental services that will support the academic educational opportunity and academic achievement. This might include frequent tutoring and mentorship programs for children throughout the school day and after school hours, staff professional development focused on comprehending and addressing the needs of both BIPOC students and other programs and services, such as providing ways for parents to support their children's learning. 

With a unique combination of cultural sensitivity, expertise, creativity, and professionalism, METCO is committed to providing a quality educational and social experience for all students, strengthening their own personal and professional development, and ultimately, creating avenues for positive challenge and growth for all educators.