Smaller, Safer, Saner Successful Schools. - National Clearinghouse ...

SUMMARY OF RESEARCH ON SMALL SCHOOLS AND SHARED FACILITIESCodman AcademyCharter Public SchoolDorchester,MassachusettsCalled a “blueprint for urban education”by The New York Times,Codman Academy CharterPublic School’s success as a newmodel for high schools has also beenthe subject of prominent - stories inThe Boston Globe and on NationalPublic Radio’s "All Things Considered."Codman takes a holistic approach toserving students, their families andalumni. Located in a low incomeneighborhood where violence is anongoing challenge, admission is bylottery. 100% of the graduatingclasses have been accepted to fouryear colleges. 99% are students ofcolor, and 65% are eligible for thefree/reduced lunch program. 22% ofthe student body has Special Needsas defined by their IndividualEducation Plans. Thirty percent speakone of four languages other thanEnglish at home.A Boston Globe editorial calledthe test scores, school’s graduationrate, and college placement record“outstanding.”Key features of the school are:• Use of Expeditionary Learningdesign from Outward Boundwhich emphasizes leadership,service and character as well asintellectual and physical development.• Strong social justice focus acrosscurriculum including senior socialaction project with research paperand demonstration that thestudent has made positivechange in the community.• Deep community partnerships includingCodman Square HealthCenter, the Huntington TheatreCompany and Boston ModernOrchestra Project which enrichcurriculum and extend classroomto the entire city.• Four-year performance sequencerequired of every studentincluding participation eventssuch as national Poetry Outloudand Shakespeare competitions,writing and producing three originaltheatre pieces and giving aSenior Talk41a41