Mission: The Community Transition School (CTS) is a small, short-term program with a mission to provide a challenging academic environment, within a supportive social community, that fosters social, emotional, and academic growth for students. Through project-based learning, student-focused instruction, and the support of external partners, CTS helps students to think critically and creatively and prepares them for future success in the classroom, workplace, and community.
The Community Transition Schoolis a collaborative effort between the Department of Youth Services (DYS) and the Boston Public Schools (BPS) to serve DYS-committed youth as they transition back into the school system. While at CTS, students work on developing a portfolio containing their best work in the various subject areas. As students prepare to transition from CTS to their next educational placement, they present this work to peers, CTS staff, and community-based partners. The portfolio enables students to engage deeply in their own education, examine and understand how they learn best, display the good work they have accomplished while at CTS, document their learning process and the academic strides they have made, work closely with teachers and other supportive adults to create their final products, and increase oral presentation skills.
<[>Throughout their time at CTS, students work closely with staff to determine their next appropriate educational placement. During this time, visits are made to potential sites and students often meet with and talk to individuals in these schools. CTS seeks to make the best match for students so that they can be successful as they move forward in their education. As many students at CTS may lack a positive school history, extra support is provided as they transition back to the school system. Thus, CTS often connects students to resources within their communities, such as job training programs, and recreation leagues.Along with the portfolio presentation, the culmination of a student’s transition period at CTS is the Transitional Assessment Panel (TAP). The panel examines the student’s past and present academic work behavioral assessments, teacher recommendations, and the student’s interests. The group, comprised of the student, guardians, CTS staff, DYS staff, and representatives from participating community-based services, ensures that the next school the student will attend is appropriate to maintain progress. Some of the members of each panel continue to be involved in the life and success of the student after CTS.
ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
In order to be eligible to attend CTS, students must be committed to the Department of Youth Services (DYS) and transitioning out of a treatment facility back into the school system. A limited number of seats are also available for students currently on pre-trial probation or probation. Students must be referred to CTS by either their DYS caseworker or their probation officer.
"Education is the door to the future, and CTS is the key to unlock it." - CTS Student, Age 17
"CTS equips young people with the tools and support they need to increase academic success, reduce recidivism, and reconnect in a positive way to the community to which they belong." - BPS Staff Member