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Curriculum at Boston Renaissance Goes Far Beyond Academics

As seen on WCVB Channel 5, reporter Todd Kazakiewich explains the unique and special nature of the Boston Renaissance Charter Public School at the start of a new school year.

Transcript:

The Renaissance school in Hyde Park. Todd: With summer camp in the history books, it is time for schoolkids to hit the books as a new academic year begins. At Boston Renaissance Charter Public School, which has been around for about 25 years, back to school has always been a special time of year.

Aaron Kesler: The first day of school is always exciting. Kids know the staff in this building care for them.

Todd: The Boston Renaissance Charter Public School has about 1000 students in grades K1-6. Students are selected by lottery. Alexandria Buckmire is the head of the school. She says one thing that sets them apart is the comprehensive curriculum. She describes the vision as caring for the development of the whole child.

Alexandra Buckmire: we provide dental services on site. We have provided vision services. We do a lot with counseling services. >> When you think about the Renaissance, you think about rebirth but there is freedom here to teach students the way we need to be taught.

Todd: Evelyn Lee is beginning her 23rd year here. She is the Director of Visual and Performing Arts. She leads the Voices of Renaissance Chorus in song and travel around the world.

Evelyn Lee: we sang for President Obama three times, which is awesome to do. Then we got a chance to go to China.

Todd: Trips like that, performances like that in English and Chinese are part of the mission of the Renaissance school. Practical education that builds character, competence, and confidence so wherever students go on the world and life they know they belong.