8-10 Howell St #4
Dorchester, MA 02125

Date: July 2023. We absolutely love Baldwin! My 4 year old reads, and it began with Phonics at school at age 3. They use fun activities like preparing a huge birthday card to encourage writing, reading and drawing. Social emotional development, learning through play, varied fun crafts and activities, fun and informational themes for each week and so many fun events throughout the year to involve families. The principal and staff really care about the students. Safe drop off and safe pick up. My kid loves school and looks forward to it. Teachers also recognize different paces or stages of development and learning and pace the teaching as per the child's stage. Scribbling or pretend writing is also encouraged as a step towards writing. Communication with teachers is easy and transparent. Date: July 2023

Esta escuela es maravillosa!!!!!! Aprender, se divierten, y comparte!

This school used to be amazing! A principal can make or break the experience. The school had a fantastic principal who moved to another school in BPS (awesome for him but sad for us). The new principal is subpar to say the very least. He blatantly ignores parent's emails and requests for meetings around serious situations such as bullying, and students being physically harmed by other students and staff members (yes, harmed by staff members). Students are allowed to destroy classrooms throw objects and physically hurt other students and staff members. The other students in the class are removed from the class while this happens and are left traumatized and with an interrupted education. The police have been called to the school so many times this year I don't even think I can keep track and a lot of times, I am hearing, he just sits in his office and does nothing. I get the sense the staff feels unsupported - which is certainly not how I want people teaching my child to feel. After many years at this school I am considering paying 10k next year for a private school I can barely afford because my child went from a high-achieving, joyful student who loved school to a kid who cries every night because she hates school and feels unsafe. It's a disgrace.

I went to this school and I got bullied and tormented by the older kids and as the only white kid there I got called the n word hard R at least 25 years times a day and I saw a 5th grader on campus with a Glock so I do not reccomend this s by for a child

Man I used to go to this school and it was so bad to me, I used to get bullied and punished with my bullies

My child went to this school from grade 1 to grade 6. The teachers are incredibly disrespectful and entitled to themselves. The principal is incredibly disrespectful and only seems to care about how the school is portrayed. The principal puts up an act of kindness and respect, in reality she tries to make the school seem diverse and a safe area to be taught in. There have been bullets found in the playground, vapes, and numerous fights have gone on in the building during school hours.

Reported stolen items from this school (from a school play.) They didn’t do anything. Also, this school is perfect for rich children of wealthy parents. But if you’re of low income, don’t even bother about putting your child in this school. They will feel/be excluded and shunned to the side because of their class meanwhile the rich students whose parents have connections will be pandered to. This school is atrocious. Would not recommend.

This school is perfect if you have a cookie cutter child. Unfortunately my daughter has both medical and mental problems and this school was too busy enforcing a no candy policy to help her. Some of the teachers are amazing but the principal and a few other support staff members made my daughters 2 years in this school a nightmare. I have thankfully moved her and are dealing with that situation privately with BPS but please just pay attention if you see something off it’s because it is.

The Higginson Lewis School has been a pleasure to work at, offering a growing sense of care and community. While not perfect, the school actively addresses its challenges and celebrates its successes, striving to create a positive environment for students and staff.School CultureStudents come from diverse backgrounds and experiences, and the school is committed to supporting them academically while addressing their emotional needs. Middle school is a pivotal time, and Higginson Lewis recognizes the unique pressures today’s youth face. While students don’t walk in silent, straight lines, the majority demonstrate respect as they move through their day. Passing periods offer them a chance to connect with friends, providing a brief yet meaningful break from rigorous focus.FacilitiesThe school’s facilities are well-maintained by a dedicated team, and students contribute by respecting the cleanliness of their environment. The building remains tidy, and the rodent issues that once affected many Boston schools during nearby construction have been resolved, creating a safe and welcoming space for learning.Enrichment OpportunitiesHigginson Lewis offers students opportunities to explore their talents and interests through a variety of programs, including:•Visual Art and Instrumental Music to nurture creativity.•Physical Education (PE) to connect with and strengthen their bodies.•Library time to foster a love of reading and exploration.•STEM programs to spark curiosity and critical thinking in science, technology, engineering, and math.These enriching programs complement core academic subjects, providing a well-rounded educational experience.Collaboration and SupportTeachers consistently seek grants to enhance learning, and school leadership fosters collaboration and inspiration among students and staff. A dedicated family liaison strengthens partnerships and connects families with resources, while counselors and therapists offer vital mental health support to students navigating challenges beyond academics.A Proud CommunityWhile no school is perfect, Higginson Lewis exemplifies the spirit of perseverance and growth. Through its focus on care, respect, and collaboration, the school creates an environment that supports both academic and personal development. I’m proud to be a part of this resilient and vibrant community.

This is a great school with teachers that want to see their students excel and succeed, very loving and caring staff, and at the moment the community is being built, but I do have safety concerns a lot of smoking in the bathrooms a lot of violence, not as much but violence every so often but the staff do a great job at ensuring the safety in the classroom. That’s all they can really do. The hallways are chaotic, and some of the students don’t have respect for the teachers or Piers overall it’s a great school. Learning aspect is great. The teacher do a great job of teaching. But due to how chaotic some classrooms can get some students fail to learn, or it gets distracted easily so that takes away from the overall learning experience when in the classroom. I’m not all that familiar with the special education system but it is a family friendly school in the counselors, do a good job of doing their job. A lot of teachers know how to communicate with their kids, the social and emotional support is there 100%