School / District and Community Demographics 2006-2007

Location

The City of Chicopee is located in Southwestern Massachusetts, bordered by West Springfield and Holyoke on the west, South Hadley and Granby on the north, Ludlow on the east and Springfield on the South.  Chicopee is 92 miles southwest of Boston; 90 miles from Albany, New York; and 140 miles from New York City.

Community Background

Chicopee was settled in the 1650’s by Japhet and Henry Chapin.  Chicopee is one of the oldest communities in the Connecticut River Valley, and was the home of Edward Bellamy, co-founder of the Springfield Daily News and author of the futurist best seller “Looking Backward.”

In many ways, the strength of the city of Chicopee lies in its diversity.  The City’s population is spread across five distinct areas still known by their pre-incorporation names:  Chicopee Center, Aldenville, Willimansett, Fairview, and Chicopee Falls.  These highly individual neighborhoods link together to form the twenty-five square mile territory of the city.

Chicopee is governed by a Mayor and a board of Aldermen.  The city retains ward representation on the School Committee.  The Mayor, board of Aldermen and School Committee collectively manage and administer a budget of over 50 million dollars, making Chicopee the second largest municipality in Western Massachusetts.

Chicopee is a healthy community with traditional values.  The total city population is 54,653 with a school population of 7,727 students in Public Schools and 1519 students in parochial or private schools.  There are 10 Public Elementary Schools, 1 Early Childhood Center, 2 Middle Schools, 2 High Schools, a Telecommunications Center, an Administrative Building and an Alternative School.  Chicopee is also the home of the Elms College, a four year private liberal arts college preparing women for leadership roles in a wide variety of field.

 Chicopee’s population of over 56,000 people live in a variety of residences ranging from two family homes, to restored factory/apartment complexes and single family homes on quiet, residential streets.  Housing is affordable and available in a wide variety of styles and price ranges.

Chicopee - Directory Information 11/26/2007