On Thursday, June 16, 2011, Phoenix Charter Academy (PCA) held its fourth graduation ceremony. Twenty-one scholars from Boston, Chelsea, Lynn, Revere, and Everett received their high school diplomas. As a public charter school in Chelsea, Massachusetts, Phoenix Charter Academy stands out among charter schools, having been tasked to become a “model for alternative education” by former Department of Education Commissioner David Driscoll when the charter was established in February 2006. The school’s founding mission—to serve overage, under-credited students by combining rigorous academics with unwavering emotional support—has guided PCA toward fulfilling this mandate. The graduating class of 2011 exemplifies the school’s commitment, with members who have navigated substantial obstacles: 43% are former high school dropouts, 81% will be 19 or older upon graduation, 29% are pregnant or parenting, and 38% will be the first in their families to earn a high school diploma. All 100% of the class of 2010 members received college acceptance letters, with 4 of the 21 graduates planning to attend four-year institutions. The 2011 graduates have been accepted to Drew University, Fairfield University, Salem State University, the University of Massachusetts – Boston, the University of Massachusetts – Amherst, Regis College, Bunker Hill Community College, and North Shore Community College. Student achievement demonstrates the school’s effectiveness: in 2010, 69% of students scored advanced or proficient on the English language arts MCAS exam—a 19% increase from 2009—while 61% achieved advanced or proficient scores on the math exam, representing a 22% gain over 2009. The ceremony took place at Bunker Hill Community College’s Charlestown campus on Thursday, June 16th at 1 PM. Among the graduates were Edgar Santos, a newcomer from El Salvador pursuing business studies at Bunker Hill Community College; Sal Golisano, who became an honor student at PCA after leaving school; and Claudia Correia, a young mother planning to attend Salem State University in the fall.
Phoenix Charter Academy Celebrated its Fourth Graduating Class June 16
