Commonwealth School

Both of our children have attended the Hurley School starting eleven years ago when Ms. Soto became Principal.We found that Ms. Soto, the teachers and the staff that Ms. Soto and the hiring committee have found and developed are very dedicated, hard-working and caring. Ms Soto is always looking for ways to improve learning and the school experience. She encourages and enables professional development of the teachers and has formed partnerships with teaching programs so that all classes in the lower grades have at least two and often three teachers per classroom: A full teacher, an assistant and a student teacher. I have always found her open to ideas and feel that she realizes how valuable parent participation is for the school.Ms. Zrike, whose title is "Teacher Leader" but should be a combination of "Curriculum development leader", "Dean of Students" and "the person who can help with almost anything", is fantastic. She works with teachers to develop the curriculum, with kids that are struggling or kids that need more of a challenge and seems to know the right person to ask if something is not within her expertise.We have found that most Hurley teachers work to innovate in the classroom and work with parents to get things done. Teachers and parents have raised funds by writing grants and hosting fund-raisers. Together, we have created a library (the school did not have one when my daughter started K2), renovated the Gym, purchased thousands of books and created a playing field from a parking lot.Ms. Varney, our full-time (ex-college) librarian and library resource instructor isa wonderful person and a fantastic resource for the kids.The school library was benefitted from a Target make-over / update thanks to the grant application that she wrote. It now features even more new books and computer resources that she teaches the kids how to use.Other programs include increased reading support and a partnership that has brought in a part-time school psychologist. There are many more academic support and enrichment programs. I just can't name them all. From my experience, most of the teachers pay attention to the kid's emotional well-being as well as to making sure that they are challenged at their own level. Many kids Hurley students are eligible to attend Advanced Work and Boston exam schools.A great small school.

This is my son's second year at the Quincy Elementary School and I continue to be more and more impressed with it. The school administration goes over and above to create a compassionate student body and the students pride themselves on their ability to portray the school wide F.I.R.E. values - Focus, Integrity, Respect, and Empathy. These values are can be seen in each classroom, through student interactions, staff and parents alike. It is a wonderfully diverse and respectful community. Despite its location in a very busy urban environment, I feel certain that my child is safe and in good hands throughout the day.Beyond the culture of the school, the students are being challenged to their own abilities in the classroom and there are many supports available to meet each child's needs. From social/emotional group supports to accommodating children with much higher physical and learning needs, extra help is available to those who seek it. On a daily basis, the children receive enriching extracurricular activities. This year, the rotating list of specialty classes offered throughout the week includes dance, art, health, mandarin, theater, gym, library, and technology. From 2nd-5th grade all students also receive swim instruction as one of their weekly specialties, as well as science lab.Before school and after school offerings are also exceptional. The Josiah Quincy Orchestra program is open to students in K2-5 (K1 if you have an older sibling in the program). They use the El Sistema method of teaching through community-building activities and music instruction. The school also offers a BOKS fitness program in the mornings a few days a week for those kids needing to get moving in the gym first thing before school starts. The After School Enrichment Program is offered 1-3 days a week as an alternate to after school daycare programs and includes such activities as lego club, theater, sports & scholars (tennis, soccer, basketball instruction, etc.), coding, cooking, and visual arts (digital art, pottery, etc.).The parent community is filled with mostly full-time working parents, though there are many opportunities available to parents who have extra time to give to the school. Parent volunteers are welcomed in the classroom, as well as those with additional time to lend to leadership positions in the parent council, or serving on one of the schools many committees. All parents are encouraged to volunteer and help out at parent council sponsored student events and the annual school fundraiser. A weekly parent coffee hour presents a welcoming environment to all parents who like to connect in person to chat about the goings on at the school.There truly is something for everyone at this school. It's a true gem in the Boston Public School system.

We have been an Advent family for 7 years now and love the education our children receive. The teachers are warm and knowledgeable and can pivot to meet the needs of each child. Advent families are inviting and excited about the school and building community with each other. There are multiple family gatherings throughout the year and across the city. Our children are well prepared for tomorrow, but more importantly have a love of learning and curiosity.

Kingsley is truly an extraordinary school. I have never been to a place where teachers guide and support the children so well while also allowing them to take the lead in their learning. Because the classrooms are mixed-age, I feel it mimics real-life scenarios where you work with people of varied ages. I love seeing the older students mentoring the younger ones and the younger ones looking up to the older ones. The communication is spot-on and I always feel informed about events at the school, deadlines, etc. I think the last two-plus years have been tough on all schools, but the way I have seen the Kingsley community come together to support one another has been extraordinary. From the administration to the teachers to the parents to the students themselves, Kingsley has navigated the pandemic and all the changes in a professional, caring way. I feel thankful my child is able to have this learning and community experience.