Mario Umana Academy K-8

Boston Day and Evening Academy is a Boston Public Schools high school for young adults that uses a competency-based model instead of age-based grades. Students are placed in courses by demonstrated skill, course modules last 11 weeks, and progress comes from showing competence, so no one fails a course. In 2025-26 we enrolled 300 full-time students, with an 11:2 student-to-teacher ratio in classrooms, and every student graduates with a postgraduate plan. Special education is built into our staffing. Our Academic Review Committee, made up of the special education program leader and coordinator, school psychologist, Path clinical coordinator, counselors and special education teachers, meets weekly to review students with IEPs. Sixteen staff members are special education certified, and teachers use a multi-tiered system of support and follow IEP accommodations, including for assessments. Applications are accepted year-round on a rolling basis. After an interview, new students attend a required three-day orientation on our academic model, postgraduate planning and support services, and complete an academic assessment. We operate on the Phillis Wheatley and James P. Timilty campuses in Roxbury.

Boston's Bridge to Excellence is a dedicated early education and extended care program designed to support children from diverse backgrounds, including those with special needs such as language-based learning disabilities. The core mission of this program is to provide year-round, supervised quality childcare for families where parents or guardians are working or engaged in training programs. Located within four Boston Public Schools, the program emphasizes inclusivity and equitable access to resources, ensuring that every child can thrive in a nurturing environment. The approach taken by Boston's Bridge to Excellence is rooted in a philosophy of individualized care and development. Licensed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care, the programs are staffed by trained educators who create engaging activities tailored to meet the unique needs of each child. This includes offering before-school, after-school, school vacation, and summer programs that adapt based on children's age groups and capabilities. Importantly, children are encouraged to participate in activities suited to their physical and emotional needs without being forced into situations that may be overwhelming or unsuitable. What sets Boston's Bridge to Excellence apart is its commitment to fostering strong family partnerships and its focus on differentiation in instruction. With a low student-to-teacher ratio, the program ensures personalized attention for each child while promoting a sense of community through various events and activities. The overarching goal is not only to provide essential childcare but also to empower children with the skills and confidence they need for a promising future.

Franciscan Children's is a compassionate and family-focused care and education center dedicated to supporting children with special health care needs. The organization’s core mission is to empower each child to reach their full potential through personalized care, respect, and integrity. Serving a diverse population, Franciscan Children’s provides a nurturing environment for children facing various challenges, including those recovering from illness or injury, as well as those with behavioral and emotional difficulties. Key offerings at Franciscan Children’s include: - **Pediatric Rehabilitation:** Comprehensive rehabilitation services for children recovering from catastrophic illnesses or injuries, including respiratory support. - **Mental Health Services:** A continuum of care designed for children and adolescents experiencing behavioral and emotional challenges, ensuring they receive the support they need. - **Kennedy Day School:** A unique educational program that integrates special education with therapeutic and medical services, tailored to meet the individual needs of each student. - **Dentistry and Surgery:** Comprehensive preventative and therapeutic oral health care services for infants through young adults up to 21 years of age. What sets Franciscan Children’s apart is its commitment to individualized care and a supportive community. The center boasts a low student-to-teacher ratio, ensuring personalized attention and tailored educational plans. The campus is equipped with specialized technology and resources to enhance learning and therapeutic outcomes. Additionally, Franciscan Children’s offers vocational training and summer programs that promote community integration, helping children develop essential life skills in a supportive environment.