Perched high atop Winter Hill, this state-of-the-art K-8 school's stated mission includes both a commitment "to academic excellence in the core subject areas and to broad enrichment opportunities in the arts, technology, and foreign language" and to ensuring that "all students are prepared to succeed in a rigorous college preparatory program in high school."
The school is home to over 550 students. Roughly two-thirds are enrolled in the City's alternative Choice program and one-third in the traditional Neighborhood program. The two programs will be unified into one school-wide approach in September 2011.
An extensive program of afterschool activities is offered, and the expansive outdoor facilities include basketball, tennis, and dodge ball courts, as well as playground equipment, plenty of blacktop space and a school garden.
The PTA is active and involved. Healey is also an international demonstration site for the Quaglia Institute for Student Aspirations, a nonprofit program that aims to help students set goals and achieve them. The social-emotional curricula, Open Circle (K-4) and Second Step (5-8), are taught to all students.
Principal Jason DeFalco leads the school. Test scores are available here and on the school website.
Founded in 1926, this private Catholic school strives to offer students in grades PK-8 "the best possible educational program and to develop attitudes that will foster growth spiritually, intellectually, culturally, socially, emotionally, and physically within the framework of a caring and safe Christian atmosphere."
The school draws a diverse population of students from over a dozen area towns. The PTA is active and involved, and an afterschool program offers a balance of homework and play as well as arts and craft activities. For sports, the school makes use of both their own gymnasium and facilities at the St. Catherine of Genoa Church across the street. In keeping with a tradition of compassion, students frequently take part in community service activities.
When the Brown school was built in 1908, Teddy Roosevelt was president, Henry Ford was producing his first Model T, and Somerville needed a new school to accommodate an influx of working families. Today, Brown is not only the city's oldest elementary school, it's still known for its family atmosphere and strong focus on both academics and personal development.
With just over 250 students, it is the smallest school in Somerville, making for a tight-knit academic community backed up by very involved parents. Extensive afterschool programs (many led by parents) run from homework help to rock climbing. The building itself is nestled on a leafy neighborhood street in the Davis Square area with a small blacktop area for exercise and a school garden out front. The school is an international demonstration site for the Quaglia Institute for Student Aspirations, a nonprofit program that helps students set goals and reach them, and the social-emotional curriculum, Second Step, is also taught to students.
School stats and test scores are available on the school's website and here. Kathleen J. Seward is the principal.