James F. Condon School

The Tynan is an amazing school with dedicated teachers and faculty. It is diverse, ethnically and economically, which is a huge strength for the kids as they play and learn together. The teachers are of the highest caliber and the student to teacher ratio is low. Low test scores can almost certainly be attributable to children who are learning English and/ or those who have learning disabilities. And I am so glad my children are learning alongside them.

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.

I agree that the rating for this school is suprisingly low. My daughter goes to this school and we have had a positive experience with the new principal and teachers.