What Is It Known For?
Since 1946, The Peterson School has been shaping skilled tradespeople across Massachusetts. With four locations in Woburn, Westwood, Worcester, and Haverhill, it stands apart from state community college networks.
Students at The Peterson School learn from industry pros who bring their real-world know-how to the classroom. These instructors aren’t just teachers – they’re leaders in New England’s biggest commercial facilities. They share insider tips on HVAC, Electricity, Engineering, Gas and Oil Heat, Plumbing, and Facilities Maintenance.
The school believes in keeping classes small. This way, students get more attention and help from their teachers. While they don’t share exact student enrollment numbers, this approach suggests a cozy learning environment where everyone knows your name. It’s a place where future tradespeople can grow their skills and confidence before stepping into their careers.
Degrees & Certifications
The Peterson School offers a variety of courses that blend in-depth theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on training in advanced laboratories. This balanced approach helps students feel confident and well-prepared for their State License Exams.
The school offers a wide range of courses to help students find their perfect fit:
- Construction Supervisor
- Electrical
- Hoisting
- Oil Heat
- Sheet Metal
- Fire Alarm Systems
- Plumbing
- HVAC
- And Many More!
Class Schedules
The Peterson School provides a flexible class schedule to fit various lifestyles. Students can attend online classes or opt for daytime or weekend sessions. The academic calendar consists of three terms: Spring, Summer, and Fall, with class schedules regularly updated on the school’s website. Prospective students are encouraged to reach out to the institution for information regarding evening class availability.
The current information doesn’t mention externships, but the school may have additional details about hands-on learning opportunities.
Is It Legit?
Yes. The Peterson School is a legitimate institution. The school is licensed by The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Division of Occupational Licensure.
Acceptance Rate
There is no specific information available about the acceptance rate. Admission decisions are at the discretion of the institution. It’s recommended to contact the school directly to understand the admission requirements before applying.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
Tuition at The Peterson School varies widely, from $60 to $8,200, depending on the course and your enrollment status—whether you’re a beginner, full-time, online, or weekend student. While there’s no net price calculator available, you can reach out to the school for detailed information on tuition fees, additional costs, and flexible payment options.
Programs & Courses
Electrical
- Basic Electricity
- Journeyman Electrician
- Master Electrician
- Systems Technician
Campus Locations
Woburn 25 Montvale Avenue Woburn, MA 01801
Westwood 350 University Avenue, Westwood, MA 02090
Worcester 705 Plantation Street Worcester, MA 01605
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, The Peterson School in Woburn, MA, has an overwhelmingly positive and highly specialized reputation as a top-tier trade school, particularly for the electrical and plumbing fields. The vast majority of reviews, especially those from the last year, praise the quality of instruction and the practical, career-focused curriculum.
Overall Score: 4.4/5 Stars
Common Praises
Exceptional, Industry-Experienced Instructors: This is the most consistent and emphatic praise. Instructors are described as highly knowledgeable, down to earth, and very engaging, often coming straight from day jobs in the trades. Reviewers frequently praise the professionalism and dedication of the teaching staff, noting their genuine care that students pass the exam first try.
Targeted License Exam Preparation: The school is highly valued for providing all the tools needed to get the required classroom hours for licenses, specifically for the Journeyman Electrician test. Students feel more than prepared and confident to take their exams. The school itself offers a guarantee to repeat the course at no charge within 12 months if a student doesn’t pass their state license exam.
Real-World Application and Practical Knowledge: Students appreciate the perfect balance of theory and practical knowledge, with instructors taking the time to discuss real life scenarios and offering helpful tips on how to be quicker in the field.
Convenient and Professional Environment: The school is noted for being very transparent and straightforward, having extremely clean campuses, and offering a convenient pace for those learning in the evenings after a day of work.
Common Criticisms
Instructional Quality Concerns (Isolated): There are a few highly negative outlier reviews, separated by several years, that sharply criticize the school. One review claims the school is the worst and alleges instructors do not care, arrive late, and leave class early, suggesting the school merely provides required hours and leaves the student to study for yourself.
Administrative and Veterans Issues: An older, detailed negative review from a veteran warns that their experience started with the school contacting them regarding GI Bill benefits, suggesting administrative difficulty or confusion for military students. This specific concern stands out among the overwhelmingly positive recent feedback.
Momentum
The momentum is overwhelmingly positive and extremely strong across all recent reviews. The consensus suggests the school delivers on its promise of an intimate, high-quality, license-focused education in the trades. The criticisms appear to be isolated incidents that are not reflected in the experience of the current Journeyman Electrical class attendees, who are uniformly satisfied. The school owner’s direct response to one of the older negative reviews (from 4 years ago) shows an attempt to address concerns and maintain its reputation.