BDEA offers an academic home for those who have been failed by traditional learning environments
Our Mission
Boston Day and Evening Academy engages young adults to build a vision for their future through supportive relationships and meaningful competency-based learning experiences.
Our Vision
Young adults own their learning to ignite personal and community transformation.
Not your typical high-school
At BDEA, we aren’t just a high-school– we are a family. The teacher/student/staff partnership is critical to the success of our students, and we work in partnership to understand and support our student’s unique needs and aspirations.
WELCOME
- We serve students ages 16-22, including over-age 8th graders.
- Our school day is structured with later start times and flexible schedules, as most of our students work or manage other responsibilities.
- Students advance based on mastery of academic competencies, not letter grades or seat time.
- The schedule consists of academic classes, enrichment and career exploration opportunities and an advisory block.
EMBRACE
- We offer a free, in-school health clinic in partnership with Whittier Street Health Center.
- We employ three social workers and two school counselors all of whom partner with our special education staff and teachers to create a wraparound network for every student at BDEA.
- We are a supportive family, emphasizing restorative justice and well-being alongside academics.
- With four graduations annually, students can set their pace to earn credits and get back on track throughout the calendar year.
INSPIRE
- Our competency-based education model has set a standard for alternative education programs nationally.
- We prioritize culturally-relevant curricula with a focus on equitable literacy.
- 100% of graduates complete postgraduate plans focused on education or employment.
- BDEA has graduated more than 1200 students, with over 50% attending 2- or 4-year colleges and 27% entering trades/technical programs.
Why BDEA? Students explain … In Their Own Words
AT MY OLD SCHOOL…
“I was lost and confused and sometimes left behind.”
“I was just another student…I didn’t get the attention I needed.”
“I never went to class.”
“I was just a number.”
“Nobody cared if I graduated or not. They didn’t believe in me.”
“I couldn’t be me.”
“I didn’t see any hope of graduating.”
“I felt like I was on my own.”
“I felt lost and there wasn’t enough help.
“No one was able to help me with my problems at school, such as being bullied…
“I got away with anything and no one seemed to care, even me.”
AT BDEA…
“I felt like it was a new beginning for me” “Everyone gets a second chance.”
“I can be me.”
“I have people who check up on me to make sure I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing. I wake up and feel like I need to go to school which is a good feeling.”
“I actually love coming to school.”
“I get taught as an individual so I can get help with what I need.”
“The relationships between students and teachers are phenomenal. I feel more at ease.” “The teachers push you to your full potential and more. The theme should be love and education.”
“I get support and love. I get encouragement to do better. I found a better me.”
“I feel like I’m succeeding in school and life.” “The staff really care about the success of each and every student.”
IF IT WEREN’T FOR BDEA…
“I would not be in school.”
“I wouldn’t be happy with who I am and what I can do to make a change.”
“I would have probably dropped out and never would have thought of going to college.”
“I wouldn’t be going to college.”
“I would not be graduating. I wouldn’t learn not just education lessons but life lessons.”
“I would still be lost.”
“I would have dropped out and I would be working at Burger King or picking trash from a dump truck. I would have been a mad person every day.”
“My grandmother wouldn’t have a reason to be proud of me.”
“I would still be skipping school. I wouldn’t be given a second chance.”
