Boston Arts Academy Touted as Educational Model

Boston Arts Academy Touted as Educational Model

Best-selling author lauds school for building curriculum around student’s interests to enhance student outcomes 

BOSTON --- Boston Arts Academy (BAA) is celebrated in a new book by New York Times best-selling author, Sir Ken Robinson, Ph.D. and Lou Aronica. Robinson has given several TED talks about the importance of creativity in education, which have been seen by tens of millions of people worldwide - the most in the history of the TED program. 

Creative Schools: The Grassroots Revolution That's Transforming Education is being released by Viking Press today, and is already being touted as the #1 new release in education on Amazon.com. The author devotes the first five pages of Chapter Eight to describing the BAA model as he captures the heart of Boston Arts Academy, the city’s only public high school for the visual and performing arts.  

Sir Ken states that "The Boston Arts Academy model substantiates what I've seen in all my work with schools around the world: building the curriculum around students' interests leads to them performing at higher levels in all areas."

“Boston Public Schools is a leader in urban education and Boston Arts Academy is a shining example of our innovations,” stated Boston School Committee Chairman Michael O’Neill. “Sir Ken Robinson is an internationally recognized education expert and we are deeply honored that he has recognized BAA, and the amazing work they do, as a model for success.” 

“I could not be more proud of Boston Arts Academy and their efforts to build a top-notch educational experience for our scholar artists,” stated Interim Superintendent John McDonough. They have shown time and time again that they have developed not just a model that works, but staff and, as Sir Ken states, ‘leadership who are visionary and passionate’ about successful outcomes for students.”

Founded in 1998 and serving over 440 students from across the city, Boston Arts Academy is a full inclusion pilot school charged with being a beacon for artistic and academic innovation. The academic curricula prepare a diverse community of aspiring artist-scholars to be successful in their college or professional careers and to be engaged members of a democratic society.

In addition to specializing in one of five arts subject areas, each student’s schedule also incorporates a full college preparatory course load, including humanities, mathematics, science, and a foreign language. 94% of graduates are accepted to college annually.

 “This book affirms what all of us at BAA - including our generous supporters - have known all along.” stated Headmaster Ann Clark. “We are just so pleased to have national recognition for our work, none of which would be possible without the dedication and passion of our amazing staff, faculty and students.”

Sir Ken Robinson discussed BAA on CBS This Morning! BAA is mentioned starting at 4:28.