Specialty Classes
Specialty classes at Boston Renaissance are incorporated into the school day for all students through both specialty and enrichment classes and our Stars in the Arts (STARTS) program which aligns with our PBIS framework to recognize students with extended time in each specialty area. Specialty areas of study include:
Media Arts Center (Library/STEM Lab)
Visual & Performing Arts
Every day, Boston Renaissance has 2 music rooms, 2 art rooms, 2 dance studios and more are filled with scholars learning from highly skilled teachers who are also accomplished artists in their own right. Students frequently demonstrate their talents performing in professional settings such as concerts, plays, recitals and musicals throughout the year both at school and in the community.
Boston Renaissance students also receive instruction in Digital Media including Photography, Videography and Graphic Design by creating their own images, movies and animated videos.
Chinese Language & Culture
As part of the Boston Renaissance Global Education Initiative, Renaissance students learn Mandarin Chinese as a second language, beginning in Kindergarten and can continue all the way through 6th grade. BRCPS employs Mandarin instructors who work with the students on acquisition, articulation, and comprehension through structured instructional practice, curriculum, and assessment. This innovative program has received acclaim and attention nationally and internationally.
For years, Mandarin Chinese has been designated by the federal government as a “critical language” for American students. Responding to this designation, in 2009, President Obama announced the “100,000 Strong Initiative” a national effort designed to increase the number of American students studying in China. In the same year, Boston Renaissance Charter Public School began a collaborative and dynamic Chinese Program through a triangulated design: Envisioning, Implementing and Evaluating a Chinese Program. The program includes a structured process for teaching this vital language to urban children, while integrating innovative practice into the fabric of the school.
Our goal was to begin with a strong foundation with the students in K1-4, receiving Chinese instruction between 2 and 5 times per week in 40 minute increments as part of their Specialty and Enrichment studies. Students in the upper grades are able to continue their Chinese language and culture studies as part of their elected bi-weekly enrichment program and through the Stars in the Arts program.
Physical Education
In addition to the full scale gymnasium which can be configured into 2 separate gyms, students enjoy the use of extensive newly refurbished outdoor athletic grounds including multiple play structures, 4 lane track, football/soccer field and basketball court.
In addition to homeroom specialty classes, 4th and 5th grade students may further engage in physical education as an enrichment choice or through the Stars in the Arts program. Boston Renaissance offers an essential opportunity for children to explore their imaginations, to connect with other kids, and to stretch and grow physically, emotionally and socially.
Media Arts Center
The Boston Renaissance Charter Public School Media Arts Center serves as an integral part of the Boston Renaissance learning community. The Media Services program provides education in library and media arts as well as extending our STEAM education. In addition to being a resource for a wide selection of fiction and nonfiction books, magazines, audio/visual and web-based resources to broaden every student’s education and imagination, students hone their research, technology and engineering skills with bi-weekly classes in robotics, code, AI, and other elements of STEAM education. Students engage in inquiry and problem solving at utilizing the fully equipped Media Arts Centers outfitted with robotics tables, extensive print library with an inviting book nook, podcast booth and STEAM lab centers. BRCPS scholars explore a wide range of educational technologies often including more advanced programs often not available at the elementary school level.
The Media Arts Center staff and resources serve students and faculty by providing materials and resources in print, audio/visual and web-based formats for curriculum enhancement aligned with the Common Core Standards, instructional support, and personal reading enjoyment. The librarians also instruct and assist students in developing skills in the access and use of information essential for modern information literacy.
