The driving force behind full-service schools is that children can learn effectively only when they are ready to learn. And readiness to learn comes only when emotional, physical, and psychological distress are at manageable levels.
Many of Boston’s public school children, however, face numerous economic or emotional stressors, including family instability, limited access to quality health care and mental health services, unsafe neighborhoods, and language or cultural barriers.
Data from BPS and the U.S. Census reveal that the city’s children and youth face a number of challenges outside of school:
Many of Boston’s public school children, however, face numerous economic or emotional stressors, including family instability, limited access to quality health care and mental health services, unsafe neighborhoods, and language or cultural barriers.
Data from BPS and the U.S. Census reveal that the city’s children and youth face a number of challenges outside of school:
• 72% of BPS students are low-income.
• 20% of BPS students are classified as special education students.
• 16% of BPS students are enrolled in bilingual programs.
• Nearly 23,000 Boston households with children under 18 are headed by single mothers.
To address these challenges that are barriers to the academic success and healthy development of Boston’s students, full- service schools offer a range of services, including psychological and family counseling, health clinics, before- and after-school programs, and other community resources at the school.
