Josiah Quincy Elementary 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.

My sister is a student of this school and I would just like to say that I think she could do better in another school. Everyday she comes home with homework she either doesn't know how to do it or is poorly finishing. She is in the second grade currently and I the brother has to put up with helping her do her homework 16 out of 20 times. Back in my day in 2nd grade I already know how to divide and multiple single digits in a flash. My sister can't even solve what 7 times 8 equals without a calculator! This suggests that the teachers are not trying hard enough to teach their students. I the brother is concern with my sister's education, that shouldn't be a concern of any brother. ~ anonymous loving brother

This school has excellent academic standards and rigor -- as well as and an opportunity for kids to partake in a variety of Physical Education modes - including swimming from 2nd Grade up.

My wife and I are parents of a K2 student now at the JQS, and we couldn't be happier. Our son had been in Montessori pre-school programs, and we were concerned with how he would handle the transition. In short, the experience has been great. The facilities and programs at the JQS are excellent. We've been very happy with how our child has responded in the classroom, and proud of his participation in the school's impressive orchestra program. Art and Mandarin language classes have also been great. Great kids, involved parents and a committed faculty lead by very dynamic principal who truly wants to see the school grow and succeed.

The Josiah Quincy Elementary School is an amazing school providing an terrific education for students. When my daughter was there from Kindergarden to Grade 5, she had a great time with her friends which was great influence. Compare to a lot of other schools in the district or around the city, JQS is one of the best schools possibly. Her teachers paid attention to her and made sure that there was no peer pressure or much bullying happening at the school. There's also many special enrichment activities such as swimming for Grade 2 and up, taught by professionally trained trainers. There's also club every Friday for 5th graders and also, many other after school programs such as Girls Scout. There was always involvement with the parent and teacher meetings, and the principal was always being a good role model and greeting the teacher after school and in the morning. Honestly, this is one of the best schools in Boston. My daughter felt fine fitting in, even with moving from Bilingual to Advance Work Class for 4th and 5th graders. Lastly, there's also shows for Chinese New Year, Christmas, etc. Great learning experience! If you're planning on moving to this district, pick JQS!