EARLIER THIS YEAR, Mayor Michelle Wu and Boston Public Schools Superintendent Mary Skipper shared their vision for BPS high schools. In addition to upgraded facilities, the vision focuses on three key strategies: academic rigor, college and career pathways for all, and partnerships. There are high schools across the district focused on these key strategies that can provide examples to learn from for those dedicated to advancing educational outcomes. 

Each year, EdVestors recognizes the most improving schools in BPS through the School on the Move Prize which grants $100,000 to the winning school and shines a spotlight on what’s working in the district. This year’s finalists – Boston Green Academy, Fenway High School, and the prize winner, East Boston High School – are focused on delivering challenging academic coursework, expanding access to career connected learning and pathways, and leveraging partnerships to provide a quality high school experience. 

Academic rigor 

Each of this year’s School on the Move finalists are committed to academic rigor, including student access to advanced coursework though AP classes, dual enrollment and early college opportunities, and support for teachers around effective instructional strategies. 

Boston Green Academy is building the next generation of environment and sustainability leaders. Students can enroll in an environmental science career pathway, take AP Environmental Science, and experience hands-on outdoor learning. Students also take a deep dive into a green topic each year, culminating in a final showcase. 

Fenway High School has been offering dual enrollment in college courses since the 1980s, and is committed to early college for all students. Beginning this school year, students can now stay on for Year 13, an additional year where they can continue college coursework at University of Massachusetts Boston at no cost while accessing wraparound support from Fenway staff. 

East Boston High School teachers utilize instructional rounds to improve teaching and learning. They’ve expanded their instructional leadership team to sustain instructional rounds for the long term, allowing teachers to exchange ideas and provide feedback by observing each other’s classrooms and working together to research and test improvements to instruction. 

College and career pathways for all 

Each finalist school offers career connected learning and career pathways opportunities that make learning relevant through exploration of industry sectors and career options, enabling students to make informed decisions about their future path and preparing them for postsecondary education.

Boston Green Academy was an early adopter of the state’s career and academic advising program MyCAP and is now a leader in the district, offering career advising across grades 7-12. Hallmarks of their work include intentional planning across grades, integration of MyCAP in core academic courses, and engaging families throughout the process.

As part of Fenway’s long standing Ventures program, seniors participate in a yearlong course that builds career readiness skills and leads to an internship of at least 200 hours. Fenway offers early college pathways with Wentworth Institute of Technology and UMass Boston.

East Boston High School offers career pathways in a variety of industry sectors including biotechnology, hospitality management/business technology, radio and television production, and early education and care, among others. These pathways include engaging in hands-on curricula and visiting and working in companies to learn more about the industry sector, which animates their learning. 

Strong partnerships

Enrichment and support to students are made possible by strong partnerships between the finalist schools and local organizations and institutions. 

Boston Green Academy has long partnered with Thompson Island Outward Bound to provide experiential learning experiences for students. Seventh and eighth grade students stay on Thompson Island for an immersive three-day learning adventure each fall and a team building day each spring, using STEM, social-emotional, and challenge-based learning to build academic and life skills.

Fenway’s goal of providing wellness services and education for all is supported through their partnership with Simmons University. Simmons nurse practitioner students provide Fenway students with physical exams and community nutrition students conduct workshops focused on timely issues for high school students during Fenway’s after-school “Wellness Wednesday” program. 

East Boston partners with Zumix to provide students in the radio and television production pathway with hands-on skills in technology, radio production, communication, and journalism. Pathway students host live radio broadcasts, produce radio copy, and develop meaningful relationships with professional mentors in the industry.

The headlines about Boston’s high schools frequently focus on what isn’t working. While there is much work to be done, our path can be lit by the bright spots in schools that are too often left out of the conversation. Boston Green Academy, Fenway High School, and East Boston High School are three examples of the city’s vision in practice and worthy of recognition. 

Marinell Rousmaniere is the president and CEO of Edvestors, a Boston-based nonprofit school improvement organization.