Named after W.E.B. Dubois, renowned sociologist, historian, civil rights activist and author, the Dubois Academy of Orchard Gardens (which consists of 6th through 8th grade students) fosters an environment where students are challenged to be independent thinkers, community-minded citizens, and lifelong learners. Like many of our students, W.E.B. Dubois grew up in Massachusetts and went on to become one of our nation’s most historic leaders of the African American community. He viewed education as the greatest tool to fight for civil rights.
Dubois Academy consists of highly qualified, dedicated educators who provide rigorous instruction on a daily basis. Small classes allow students to receive individualized attention ensuring that all academic and social / emotional needs are met. Students are exposed to new technologies through the use of iPads, personal response clickers, digital projectors, smarts boards and more. We have adopted an on-line grading system, which allows parents and students to monitor academic performance on a regular basis.
Teachers in DuBois use and design innovative curricula that align with both state and national (common core) standards, while differentiating their instruction to meet students at their ability level. The math department uses “Math Innovations,” which is designed to develop deeper mathematical understanding through enriching student discourse, sound reasoning skills, and constant opportunities to interact with numbers. English and language arts teachers have students reading novels, ranging from The Giver to The Hunger Games, working on expanding student vocabularies and teaching students to express themselves through writing. In science, students routinely conduct experiments in science labs and are afforded opportunities to deepen their understanding beyond the classroom walls. Through Orchard Gardens’ partnership with Thompson Island Outward Bound, students are given the opportunity to have hands-on learning experiences. And there is no better place to learn about the history of our great country and social studies concepts than right here in Boston.
Not only does DuBois provide students with rigorous instruction in core subject areas but we also offer a comprehensive litany of arts electives. All students participate in physical education as well as the arts (which range from music (where students can select from an array of instruments or participate in a choral group), theater, dance, art, or yearbook). Students from DuBois have been accepted at Boston Arts Academy, participated in the Boston Children’s Choir, performed at several OGPS Arts shows, developed portfolios, and improved fitness levels and sports skills through truly spectacular instruction.
All 6th and 7th graders participate in extended day learning through Citizens School and 8th graders are all offered opportunities to participate in Citizen Schools’ 8th Grade Academy (8GA) or City Year afterschool programs which keep students engaged until 5:15pm Monday through Thursday.
We’re extremely excited for this school year. Please feel free to contact me for whatever reason.
Sincerely,
Ben Rockoff
Dubois Academy Director
