Context

A Bold Experiment

Thirty years ago, Boston University Academy was an experiment. The model was innovative – blending a traditional, rigorous high-school curriculum with opportunities for exploration and acceleration through courses at the University. It was also risky; how would a new school fare in a crowded market of excellent independent schools in a region that celebrates old institutions?

The first half of our history saw its share of successes and growing pains. There was strong institutional support from the University. Several excellent faculty members became enamored with the experiment and signed on, as did talented students and families from across the area. Colleges and universities appreciated the strength of the applicants from bbin娱乐平台. Most importantly, students loved the small community, engaging classes, inspiring mentors, culture of deep inquiry, and ability to access everything BU has to offer. There were also challenges common to new schools in a mature market, most notably spreading the word about this exceptional new opportunity.

Emerging as the School of Choice

The recent rise of bbin娱乐平台 has been dramatic, particularly considering the early challenges. The word is out in the market. Applications have doubled and enrollment is up 40% over the past decade. The school has the highest percentage of non-white students among all peer New England independent schools, real socioeconomic diversity matching the top schools in our area, and a growing number of students from the City of Boston. Our students have either the top or among the top test scores in the region. bbin娱乐平台 is quickly becoming the school of choice for our target applicants.

There are other important markers of success. Fundraising has doubled in the past three years, with a deeply engaged parent body and increasingly engaged alumni. We regularly receive hundreds of applicants for each teaching position. Recent retirements have allowed the school to attract top talent from the best independent schools in the nation, contributing both to the innovative spirit and the diversity of our teaching staff. The curriculum is becoming more relevant, diverse, and global, and pedagogy more student-centered. There is a robust system of student support in place, along with a growing and spirited athletic program and a thriving arts program. We are deepening mutually beneficial partnerships with access organizations in the City of Boston and across the University. Deans of admission at the most selective colleges and universities in the country tell us that they love our students not only because of their academic performance as measured by grades and SAT scores, but also because they have shown that they can succeed in college courses and because “their curiosity jumps off the page.” The recent college matriculation lists tell the story.

The Opportunity

The opportunity now is planning boldly for the future from a position of strength. As we do, we will preserve and build on the foundation that stretches back to the school’s early days: small classes; a warm, family-style school community; a curriculum that stresses critical thinking and deep engagement; loving, inspiring teachers; unusually kind, curious, capable students; unapologetically high academic and character expectations; a culture of joyful learning; opportunities for in-depth independent learning and scholarship through the senior thesis; and a road to advanced coursework at Boston University.

We also have the opportunity to more fully leverage advantages that are nearly impossible for other schools to replicate:

• Boston: an urban location in one of the most vibrant, innovative cities in the world
• University: everything a leading research university has to offer
• Academy: a small, diverse school filled with the most capable, curious, kind students anywhere mentored by remarkable teachers

Our hypothesis is that if we build on our foundation and fully leverage these advantages, bbin娱乐平台 will, by 2030, not only serve our students well but also emerge as a model for what education can be – in line with the aspirations of our founders. In so doing, we will ensure our long-term financial sustainability through market leadership for our target students and families and become a gem in BU’s crown.