Mission: The Boston Middle School Academy (BMSA) is designed to provide students, who have repeatedly violated the code of discipline, with a one-year educational program. The BMSA is committed to providing students with opportunities to achieve all of the expectations and standards of success set by the Boston Public Schools.
Boston Middle School Academy (BMSA) is an alternative education program designed to help students reduce the negative behaviors that prevented them from achieving academic success in other Boston middle schools. BMSA is focused on developing the educational, social and behavioral skills of the student. The goal of this program is to successfully transition students to an appropriate middle school or high school at the end of the school year.
The BMSA provides:
Academics
The curriculum at BMSA is based on the Boston Public Schools Citywide Learning Standards. Students are expected to participate in all grade level required assessments and tests mandated by the Department of Education and Boston Public Schools. Students receive report cards that are forwarded to their last Boston Public School and become part of their permanent record.
Behavioral/Social
The BMSA behavioral/social component is designed to support both the students and their families. Services include in-school individual and group counseling, and crisis intervention. A progressive behavior management system is utilized to assist students in making better choices and allow them to earn privileges and increase responsibilities when behavioral goals are met. Within this system, students are recognized for their individual and group progress. The goal of these services is to assist the student in improving social skills, anger management, and academic achievement, as well as increase attendance and reduce suspensions. Referrals to community agencies and resources are also available to students and their families.
Parental Involvement
The staff of BMSA believes that the key to a successful school is the involvement of parents and families. BMSA welcomes parents as volunteers and participants in all aspects of the program. Communication between home and school is a vital component to meeting the needs of students. Teachers and support staff communicate with the home on a regular basis to discuss student progress. This contact includes positive reports as well as any academic and behavioral concerns. Home visits, in-school meetings and parent conferences are an integral part of the school program. BMSA depends on the support of parents and families to meet the complex needs of its students.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Students who have repeatedly violated the Code of Discipline at the Boston Public School in which they are currently, are referred to BMSA by the BPS Office of Alternative Education. Students are educated at BMSA for one year before they transition to another middle or high school.