State approves two BPS in-district charter schools

BOSTON –The Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education today voted to authorize two in-district Horace Mann charter schools, which the Boston Public Schools (BPS) will open this fall. The vote makes Boston one of just two school districts in the state to take advantage of new authority granted in 2010 education reform legislation.

“This vote clears the way for nearly 900 BPS students to attend innovative, groundbreaking schools this fall,” said Superintendent Carol R. Johnson. “We are proud that the state has endorsed this bold and aggressive step to rapidly improve the choices we offer to Boston’s families."

The two schools, UP Academy and Boston Green Academy, have already received nearly 1,400 enrollment forms from interested students. Admission will be granted by lottery, which is required by state law. This fall, UP Academy will open in the Gavin Middle School building, and Boston Green Academy will replace Odyssey High School at the South Boston Education Complex. Students attending these schools are guaranteed seats in the in-district charter schools next fall if they submit an enrollment form.

“Our mission is to ensure that all students in Boston have equitable access to high-performing schools, and this is an important step toward delivering on that promise,” said Boston School Committee Chairperson Rev. Gregory G. Groover, Sr. “We have made sure these schools are reaching out to all children, in all neighborhoods in our city, and will serve anyone who comes through their doors.”

UP Academy will serve nearly 500 students in grades 6-8, while Boston Green Academy will serve 340 students in grades 9-12. They will operate as BPS schools and will be funded with the same formula BPS uses to allocate resources to other schools. However, Horace Mann charter schools have flexibility to hire staff from inside and outside BPS, set their own academic program and graduation requirements, and offer extended school days and a longer school year.

“We are thrilled to be able to restart the Patrick F. Gavin Middle School as UP Academy Charter School of Boston within the BPS system this fall,” said Unlocking Potential CEO Scott Given. “We will continue to invest time and resources to recruit and hire extraordinary teachers, meet with the school’s families in their homes, make renovations to the school facility, and plan a rigorous, college preparatory curriculum that is supported by a culture of achievement and excellence.”

Boston Green Academy founder Jeff Liberty said the school will target students who have struggled academically. “We are eager to become part of the South Boston community,” he said. “We will hold focus groups at the school and throughout South Boston to ensure Boston Green Academy reflects the ideals and aspirations of those it is intended to serve. We look forward to working together with students, families, and community members to build our school.”