Specialty Classes
At Boston Renaissance, every student takes part in specialty classes built into the school day, offered through both enrichment courses and our Stars in the Arts (STARTS) program. STARTS, which aligns with our PBIS framework, recognizes students by providing extended time in their chosen specialty areas. Specialty areas of study include:
Media Arts Center (Library/STEM Lab)
Visual & Performing Arts
Every day at Boston Renaissance, our two music rooms, two art rooms, two dance studios, and more come alive with scholars learning from highly skilled teachers — accomplished artists in their own right. Students regularly showcase their talents in professional settings, performing in concerts, plays, recitals, and musicals throughout the year, both at school and in the community.
In addition, Boston Renaissance students explore the world of Digital Media — from photography and videography to graphic design — creating original images, films, and animated videos that bring their ideas to life.
Chinese Language & Culture
As part of the Boston Renaissance Global Education Initiative, students begin learning Mandarin Chinese as early as Kindergarten and can continue through 6th grade. Taught by dedicated Mandarin instructors, the program emphasizes acquisition, articulation, and comprehension through structured lessons, engaging curriculum, and ongoing assessment. This innovative approach has earned recognition both nationally and internationally.
Mandarin Chinese has long been identified by the federal government as a “critical language” for American students. In 2009, President Obama launched the “100,000 Strong Initiative,” a national effort to expand the number of U.S. students studying in China. That same year, Boston Renaissance introduced its own dynamic Chinese Program, designed through a three-part model of Envisioning, Implementing, and Evaluating. By weaving structured language instruction with creative, real-world practice, the program equips urban students with vital global skills and integrates cross-cultural learning into the heart of our school experience.
Our goal has been to provide students with a strong foundation in the early grades (K1–4), where they receive Mandarin instruction two to five times per week in 40-minute sessions as part of their Specialty and Enrichment studies. As they progress into the upper grades, students have the opportunity to deepen their Chinese language and cultural learning through bi-weekly enrichment electives and the Stars in the Arts program.
Physical Education
In addition to a full-scale gymnasium that can be configured into two separate spaces, students enjoy newly refurbished outdoor athletic facilities, including multiple play structures, a four-lane track, a football/soccer field, and a basketball court — all designed to keep children active, healthy, and engaged.
In addition to their homeroom specialty classes, 4th- and 5th-grade students can further engage in physical education through enrichment electives or the Stars in the Arts program. At Boston Renaissance, these opportunities are more than just classes — they are essential experiences that allow children to explore their imaginations, connect with peers, and grow physically, emotionally, and socially.
Media Arts Center
The Boston Renaissance Charter Public School Media Arts Center is an integral part of our learning community, extending education beyond the classroom and inspiring students to imagine, create, and innovate. Through our Media Services program, students engage with library and media arts while deepening their STEAM education.
In addition to access to a wide selection of fiction and nonfiction books, magazines, and digital resources that spark curiosity and imagination, students build critical 21st-century skills in bi-weekly classes. From robotics and coding to artificial intelligence and engineering, our scholars gain hands-on experience with tools and concepts that are often not introduced until middle or even high school.
Housed in a fully equipped facility, the Media Arts Center features robotics tables, a robust print library with a cozy book nook, a podcast booth, and dedicated STEAM labs. These spaces invite inquiry, problem-solving, and exploration, giving students the confidence to take on challenges and embrace innovation.
The Media Arts Center also supports faculty by providing rich instructional resources — from print to audio/visual to digital — aligned with Common Core Standards and designed to enhance teaching and learning. Our librarians play a vital role in guiding students to develop modern information literacy skills, ensuring they can confidently access, evaluate, and use information in today’s world.
