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These investments align with BPS’ commitment to preparing students for college, careers, and lifelong success by expanding access to high-quality STEM education.

Boston Public Schools Receives Nearly $445K To Expand Life Sciences Learning

The Boston Public Schools (BPS) has been awarded over $445,000 through the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) Education and Workforce Development Grant Program, bringing new resources, hands-on learning opportunities, and professional development to schools across the district.

The district received two competitive grants totaling $445,219.33 as part of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s $12.3 million statewide investment in strengthening Massachusetts’ life sciences education and workforce pipeline.

A grant of $175,290.33 will support all BPS schools K-12 in providing high-quality instructional materials to support OpenSci Ed implementation and educator stipends to enhance life-sciences professional learning, expanding student access to high-quality, career-connected learning experiences.

A second grant of $269,929 will benefit East Boston High School, Bradley Elementary School, Otis Elementary School, Warren-Prescott Elementary School, Elliot K-8 Innovation School, and Patrick J. Kennedy Elementary School. Funding will support educator professional-development stipends, training services, and the purchase of equipment that strengthens classroom instruction and hands-on learning.

The awards are part of the MLSC’s Elementary and Secondary Education Grant Program, which distributed more than $2.4 million to 23 grantees serving more than 170 public schools across Massachusetts. The funding supports students in grades 3–12 through applied life-sciences learning while helping educators build the knowledge and skills needed to deliver engaging, industry-relevant instruction.

These investments align with BPS’ commitment to preparing students for college, careers, and lifelong success by expanding access to high-quality STEM education. New instructional materials, modern laboratory equipment, and enhanced professional learning opportunities will help students develop technical skills, explore careers in the life sciences, and gain real-world experiences that connect classroom learning to one of Massachusetts’ most innovative and rapidly growing industries.

Through partnerships like this, BPS continues to create meaningful opportunities for students to discover their passions, build future-ready skills, and thrive in an evolving workforce.

BPS Transition Support Center Helps Class Of 2026 Take Next Step

A new innovative collaboration strengthens postsecondary enrollment outcomes for BPS students by providing a one-stop shop for college and career advising during the summer months.

Post-Secondary Transition Support Center Opens, Helps Class Of 2026 Take Next Step

Boston Public Schools (BPS) is proud to announce the launch of its new Postsecondary Transition Support Center, a collaborative initiative designed to help members of the Class of 2026 successfully transition from high school to college, career training, or the workforce.

Led by the BPS Office of College, Career & Life Readiness in partnership with Boston University's PATH Advising Program and the Boston Private Industry Council (PIC), the Center provides a welcoming, one-stop hub where students can receive personalized guidance during the critical summer months. Open now through Friday, August 7, the Center is located at the Bruce C. Bolling Municipal Building in Roxbury and offers both in-person and virtual advising appointments.

The Postsecondary Transition Support Center was created to ensure every student has access to the support they need to achieve their postsecondary goals. As students navigate college enrollment, financial aid, career exploration, or workforce opportunities, the Center brings together trusted partners to provide coordinated, wraparound services at a time when many traditional supports are less available.

Students can receive one-on-one advising, assistance completing college enrollment and financial aid steps, help exploring career pathways, job application support, résumé reviews, interview preparation, referrals to workforce-training programs, and connections to transition advisors. The Center will also host workshops and special events, including financial aid counseling, program information sessions, and on-the-spot admissions opportunities.

The initiative reflects BPS's ongoing commitment to ensuring that every graduate has equitable access to the resources needed to turn their aspirations into reality.

"As a former school leader, having worked with students and schools all over Boston, I see the Postsecondary Transition Support Center as a monumental opportunity for our city to come together and invest in the future of our young people," said Brett Dickens, Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools and College, Career & Life Readiness. "This effort recognizes that the future of our young people is in all of our hands, and we must work in new ways, across sectors, and amidst all odds to secure it."

Whether you're still deciding on your next step, completing college enrollment, applying for a job, or looking for additional guidance, the Postsecondary Transition Support Center is here to help. BPS students in the Class of 2026 are encouraged to visit the Center between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. weekdays through Friday, August 7 to take advantage of the many free resources available to support your journey after graduation.

Boston Public Schools Reports Record Growth in Advanced Placement Participation and Student Success

District has increased qualifying AP scores by 65% since 2022, with nearly two-thirds of exams earning college-credit qualifying scores.

Boston Public Schools Reports Record Growth in Advanced Placement Participation and Student Success

District has increased qualifying AP scores by 65% since 2022, with nearly two-thirds of exams earning college-credit qualifying scores

BOSTON – July 15, 2026 – Boston Public Schools (BPS) reports continued growth in Advanced Placement (AP) participation and student success. The 2026 AP Score Reports released by College Board show gains in access to college-level coursework and strong performance on AP exams.

This year, 4,069 BPS students participated in Advanced Placement coursework and took 7,277 AP exams across 24 district schools. Of those exams, 4,665 earned a qualifying score of 3 or higher, resulting in a 64% districtwide qualifying rate. Today, 30% of all BPS students in grades 9–12 take at least one AP exam.

Since 2022, AP participation has increased by 25%, while the number of qualifying scores has grown by 65%, raising the district’s overall qualifying rate from 50% to 64%. The number of AP exams taken has also increased by 29% over the same period.

“This year’s AP results demonstrate the impact of our commitment to expanding access to rigorous academic opportunities through initiatives like AP Access for All,” said Boston Public Schools Superintendent Mary Skipper. “We are seeing the highest AP participation levels and the highest percentage of students earning qualifying scores in BPS history, showing that when we remove barriers and provide students with the right supports, they rise to meet the challenge. More students than ever are enrolling in college-level coursework, earning college-credit qualifying scores, and building the confidence, skills, and knowledge needed for success beyond high school. I am grateful to our educators, school leaders, students, and families for their continued commitment to ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive.”

The district’s continued growth builds on years of strategic investment in expanding AP access through initiatives such as AP Access for ALL, increasing course offerings, strengthening teacher professional development, and providing students with additional academic supports, including mock exams and test preparation resources. These efforts have helped more students enroll in Advanced Placement courses and improve student achievement.

The 2026 results also show expanded access across student groups. Since 2022, AP participation has increased by 54% among Hispanic/Latino students and 42% among Black students, reflecting the district’s commitment to more students engaging in rigorous coursework and earning college credit while still in high school.

“Expanding access is only meaningful if students are equipped to succeed once they enter these courses,” said Deputy Superintendent of Academics Dr. Simone Wright. “The steady increase in qualifying scores shows that our instructional priorities, educator support, and intentional focus on academic excellence are helping students build the knowledge, confidence, and skills they need to thrive in college-level coursework.”

BPS continues to broaden Advanced Placement opportunities across its high schools. Between 2018 and 2025, the district increased AP course offerings by 20%, and students now have access to a growing range of subjects, including AP African American Studies, one of the district’s most popular newer courses. Several schools also plan to introduce AP Business and Financial Literacy and AP Cybersecurity in the coming school year.

“Every AP classroom represents an opportunity for a student to discover what’s possible for their future,” said Assistant Superintendent of the Office of College, Career & Life Readiness Brett Dickens. “Whether students are earning college credit, strengthening their college applications, or developing the critical thinking and perseverance needed after graduation, these experiences prepare them to confidently pursue their next steps. We’re proud that more Boston students than ever are taking advantage of these opportunities.”

Earlier this year, BPS, alongside the City of Boston and the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, hosted an Advanced Placement roundtable at TechBoston Academy, where Mayor Michelle Wu, Commissioner Pedro Martinez, Superintendent Mary Skipper, and BPS students discussed the impact of AP coursework on college readiness and personal growth. During the conversation, students reflected on how Advanced Placement courses helped them build critical skills such as resilience, time management, self-confidence, and academic perseverance while encouraging more of their peers to challenge themselves through rigorous coursework. The 2026 AP results demonstrate that these investments in expanding access and supporting student success are translating into measurable outcomes across the district.

Boston Green Academy Wins Inaugural Statewide We Declare! Challenge

BGA's creative interpretation of the Declaration of Independence is named the best of 145 video submissions from 44 school districts across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Boston Green Academy Wins Inaugural Statewide We Declare! Challenge

Boston Public Schools and Boston Green Academy (BGA) celebrate an extraordinary achievement after nearly 40 BGA Grade 8 students were named the featured statewide winners of the inaugural We Declare! iCivics Challenge, a Massachusetts-wide civics competition celebrating America's 250th anniversary.

Led by Grade 8 Humanities and Civics Teacher Olivia Dehm and Teaching Resident Mariana Villegas Suez, BGA students created a video reading and interpreting the opening lines of the Declaration of Independence. Their submission was selected as the top entry among 145 videos submitted by more than 2,100 Grade 8 students from 44 school districts across Massachusetts.

As the John Hancock Award for Excellence in Civic Expression winner, every participating BGA student will receive a $2,500 scholarship upon graduating from high school, totaling nearly $100,000 in scholarships funded through the competition by philanthropist Rob Waldron. BGA also will receive a $2,500 award, and Dehm will receive a $1,000 teacher prize. The winning video will be featured during the Boston Pops July 4 Fireworks Spectacular

"This recognition is really about our students," said Dehm. "Throughout the year, we've challenged them to think critically about what the Declaration of Independence means and how its ideals connect to their own communities. Watching them bring those ideas to life has been incredibly meaningful."

Participation in the project was voluntary. Students selected passages of the Declaration that resonated with them, with many scenes filmed during a field trip to Cathleen Stone Island Outward Bound School and others recorded in Boston Green Academy's outdoor classroom, reflecting the school's commitment to sustainability and experiential learning.

Dehm was supported throughout the project by her teaching resident, Mariana Villegas Suez, who helped coach students and supported their civics learning throughout the school year.

At the school's eighth grade Moving Up Ceremony, student Kimberly reflected on the experience.

"Civics taught me a lot, not only about the career path I want to follow but also about our society and how the way we interact with each other can make big changes," she said. "I hope that with the video people from different parts of the country could remember what this country is supposed to believe and fight for."

The award recognizes more than an outstanding video—it celebrates a year of meaningful civic learning, critical thinking, and student leadership, demonstrating the power of young people to engage thoughtfully with history and democracy.

Boston Green Academy Teachers Olivia Dehm (left) and Yeji Son

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Boston Middle School YRBS Results

The 2025 Boston Middle School YRBS was administered during the spring of 2025 using rigorous protocols to ensure student confidentiality and data integrity. 30 schools serving grades 6-8 were randomly selected to participate and students were randomly selected to participate using systematic probability sampling. The overall response rate was 81%. Westat performed data processing and analyses on behalf of the CDC. The results are weighted and considered representative of BPS students in grades 6-8. Thank you to the BPS students who shared their personal experiences with us so we can have this valuable public health data.

2025 Result Tables:

Differences by Subgroups: Coming soon!

Trend Report: Coming soon!

Previous Publications:

2023 | 2021 | 2019 | 2017 | 2013

Contact:

yrbs@bostonpublicschools.org

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Boston Public Schools Receives Nearly $445K To Expand Life Sciences Learning

Post-Secondary Transition Support Center Opens, Helps Class Of 2026 Take Next Step

Boston Public Schools Reports Record Growth in Advanced Placement Participation and Student Success

Boston Green Academy Wins Inaugural Statewide We Declare! Challenge

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Boston Middle School YRBS Results

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