Who We Are
Welcome from our Executive Director
Hello PAC Students, Families, Staff and Sending Districts,
We are thrilled to welcome you to the 2026-2027 School Year! This year, Pilgrim Area Collaborative proudly celebrates its 50th anniversary. For half a century, PAC has provided educational excellence to children and families throughout Massachusetts. As we look to the next 50 years, we are deeply grateful for your continued partnership and collaboration in shaping the future of our organization.
PAC is a collaborative that prides itself on a high standard of excellence in special education services and programming. Established in 1976, PAC is a vibrant educational environment led by expert staff who bring daily dedication to servicing our students, our families, and our districts. In our setting, each student is recognized and valued for the unique gifts and abilities they bring to our programs. Our prime objective is to provide individualized educational services to children ages 3-30 and to tap into each student’s inner strengths and expand those strengths to allow each student to reach their highest potential. We strongly believe that educating our children is not limited to the classroom setting, rather educating students means fostering connections between home, school and the community focusing on the importance of the academic, behavioral, emotional, and social well-being of our students.
As shared in the 2023-2027 Strategic Plan, our mission is to be a resource by providing programs and services that reflect high-quality, researched-based best practices for the ever-evolving needs of students, families, educators, and the communities we serve. Our goal is to provide quality comprehensive programming, student-focused instructional practices, school, home, community connections, and contemporary digital literacy by fostering dynamic and integrated learning experiences.
Thank you to our supportive sending districts, parents/guardians, amazing students, extraordinary staff, and the Board of Directors who make the Pilgrim Area Collaborative an incredibly special place to learn and work.
This website is designed to keep you informed of all the happenings at Pilgrim Area Collaborative. As you explore our website and social media sites, please feel free to contact us about any inquiries you may have about our individualized programs and services for children and families.
Warm regards,
Dympna M. Thomas, Ph.D.
6 Resnik Road, Suite 115
Plymouth, MA 02360
Phone: 781-293-6111
Our Mission
The MISSION of the Pilgrim Area Collaborative is, in partnership with member districts, to be a resource by providing programs and services that reflect high‐quality, research‐based, best practices for the ever‐evolving needs of the students, families, educators and communities that we serve.
Our Vision
The Pilgrim Area Collaborative is dedicated to high quality programming and individualized services that are responsive to the needs of districts by educating students in schools, homes, and communities. Expert resources provide opportunities for building the foundation of success and independence of our students.
Guiding Beliefs
We believe…
- The community has a responsibility to educate all.
- In honoring and valuing the uniqueness, diversity, abilities, and talents of all.
- All students have the ability and opportunity to learn.
- The community has an obligation to provide the specialized programming that each student needs.
- All students have the right to a safe, secure, and positive learning environment.
- Each student will have a vision for their future.
- We are accountable to the student for assisting them to reach their fullest potential.
- In fostering positive student growth and change.
- In mutual respect, open communication, and collegiality.
Pilgrim Academy
A therapeutic K-12 program offering small classes, counseling, and tailored academics for students with emotional, behavioral, or autism needs.
SLC at Silver Lake
Highly structured, inclusive classrooms provide individualized support for students through age 18 with complex learning and behavioral needs.
Transitions @ Silver Lake
Prepares students ages 18-22 with complex needs for adulthood by building daily living skills, independence, and self-advocacy.
Transitions @ Plymouth Center
A community-based program for ages 18-22 focusing on independent living, work experience, self-advocacy, and college & work partnerships.
GAP
A post-grad program for ages 18-21 with average+ cognition, focusing on transition skills through specialized units of study and seminars.
PACES
PACES provides home and community programs, training, and consultation to help families and educators support students using evidence-based strategies