Our Academic Philosophy
The members of the East Boston High School community will respect self and others and live by our motto: Class, Pride, Tradition. Students are aware that appropriate, respectful and dignified behavior reflects their individualism as well as their role in the school community. Student and alumni achievements are acknowledged, celebrated and valued over time.
The members of the East Boston High School community will be prepared to graduate and assume adult responsibilities. Students participate in a wide range of extra-curricular activities. Students make positive contributions to home, school, the community, and the world of work.
All courses listed within this section are aligned with the Citywide Learning Standards as well as the Curriculum Frameworks of the Boston Public Schools and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Each course is designed for higher-level thinking skills and critical thinking skills. Select the department and courses you want to view below.
EBHS Graduation Requirements
List of requirements:
| English | 4 Courses |
| Mathematics | 4 Courses (including Advanced Algebra) |
| Science | 3 Courses (including two laboratory sciences) |
| Social Studies | 3 Courses (including U. S. History) |
| Language | 2 Courses (same language) |
| Art | 1 Course |
| Gym/Health | 1 Course |
| Computers | 1 Course |
| Career | 2 Courses |
| MCAS | Math, English & Science |
Honors/Advanced Placement Courses
Students interested in applying for honors courses must meet basic academic requirements including a grade of "B" or better. Students interested in applying for advanced placement courses must meet basic academic requirements including a grade of "B" or better in honors level pre-requisite courses (or "A" in non-honors classes ). Students interested in applying for either honors or advanced placement courses must meet at least one of the following minimum standardized test scores: MCAS (grade 8 or 10) score of 220 or above/PSAT score of 45 Honors ELA courses only: minimum score of 7 in one school wide writing prompt or minimum score of 14 in MCAS long composition; students who do not meet either of these requirements must demonstrate their writing ability through submission of a response to a specific writing prompt teacher recommendation (s) good attendance (90% or better)
Entrance Waiver Process for Honors/Advanced Placement Courses Students who do not meet the entrance requirements for honors/AP courses may ask that the entrance requirements be waived by following this procedure: Obtain 2 letters of recommendation from teachers who have recently (over the last 2 years) instructed the student. The letter should attest to the student's commitment and ability to handle the rigors of honors/ college level advanced placement work. Present a letter of application to the Honors/AP Committee (Headmaster/Chief Academic Officer, AP instructor(s)/Program Director(s), Guidance Counselor and 1 teacher of the student's choice). Interview by the Honors/Advanced Placement Committee.
For a complete listing of all EBHS Advanced Placement Courses click here PDF, Google Doc View.
ELA
The English Language Arts Department works as a team to provide a curriculum focused on varied genres that range from poetry to nonfiction and ancient to contemporary works of literature. Students are taught through a method of gradual release to master deconstruction of increasingly rigorous texts, and to craft sophisticated collegiate level academic writing. Our ELA supported and student centered. The classes demand that students read, discuss and write about complex texts, and that they express themselves through their class participation and writing. Teachers facilitate student learning in a wide range of literature, gathered from laudable authors around the world. Our students leave East Boston High School prepared to independently deconstruct, analyze, and critique any text they encounter in their academic, collegiate, professional, or personal life after high school.
Electives
EBHS provides for a wide variety of electives designed to enhance and enrich our required academic course schedule. When choosing electives, we recommend that the student consider their interests and post secondary school academic and or career goals.
- Language is a great way to understand how other people live and think. EBHS recommends at least two years of the same language. EBHS offers two-year programs in Spanish and Italian.
- The Arts can helps you explore and appreciate your creative side and those of others. EBHS offers elective courses in Music, Drama and the Visual Arts.
- Computer skills are essential in today’s academic and business world. EBHS offers a wide variety of technology electives designed to enhance our student’s computer skills.
- JROTC provides an understanding of the importance of high school graduation for a successful future, and explores college and other advanced educational and employment opportunities. EBHS offers a four year program in JROTC.
ESL
Students in ESL classes benefit from a content-based approach to lesson planning and delivery. Language and content instruction are integrated so that students develop academic knowledge and skills in specific content areas at the same time as they develop their language skills. The expectations in all ESL courses at EBHS are organized into the following four strands:
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Oral and Visual Communication.
Expectations require students to understand, interpret, and use oral English, and related visual cues, in a variety of contexts and media. -
Reading.
Expectations require students to read a variety of informational and literary texts for different purposes, using a range of reading strategies effectively. -
Writing.
Expectations require students to communicate clearly in writing for a variety of purposes and audiences. -
Social and Cultural Competence.
Expectations require students to understand and value their own cultures, to appreciate the variety of languages and cultures at ACS, and to demonstrate social and cultural competence in a wide range of situations.
History
The History Dept. at EBHS is a diverse group of teachers that bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the school. Members of the staff are veterans of not just the Boston School System , but have taught around the country and abroad. We are dedicated to providing our students with a first-rate education in U.S. and World History, current affairs, geography and civics. To ensure our students' success we utilize a wide variety of teaching strategies and assessments , both traditional and alternative. All of us are deeply committed to promoting the school values of Class Pride and Tradition and to see our students graduate with a firm understanding of local, national and world history, and of the role each one of them can play in shaping our nation's future.
Math
The East Boston High School Math Department is made up of teachers from around
the world. Each teacher brings their perspective on teaching mathematics to our
school and working together we ensure all students develop a strong mastery
of skills. From ninth grade through senior year students at EBHS interact with
many teachers who are interested in topics outside of our high school curriculum.
Through learning from these teachers our students gain insight to math beyond
the mandatory spectrum. Finally, the math department is happy to report that our
MCAS math scores have qualified us for AYP in mathematics this past school year!
Science
The EBHS Science Department is committed to excellence in science education. We are interested in exploring ways to enhance science education through technology. The EBHS Science Department is divided into four disciplines: Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Students follow a standard progression through introductory and upper level courses in these disciplines.
Each of these courses include a laboratory component, and we are committed to augmenting this aspect of our instruction. Our faculty members each bring personal interests and expertise to their teaching. State, City and national standards guide the department.
One of the highlights of the year is our annual Science Fair event, showcasing our department and our students. We are also involved in a number of collaborations and programs with outside organizations to enrich our students’ experience of science.
Special Education
The Special Education Program offers a variety of programs to address the needs of students with cognitive and physical needs. These needs are met through the use of differentiated instruction within the LD, SAR, Behavioral and Resource programs. The service delivery for these students may include sub-separate, resource, inclusion or a learning center model.
The Social and Academic Remediation Program (F4) and the Educational and Social Development (O4) Programs provide substantially separate educational opportunities for students with mild to moderate learning differences. The Multi-handicapped (M4) Program addresses the educational needs of those students with significant disabilities. The Social and Academic Remediation program focus is that of vocational, academic, social, and community training. They work closely with the STRIVE Program to provide off site vocational training opportunities for students on a weekly basis.
The Education and Social Development Program (O4) provides substantially separate educational opportunities for students with moderate learning differences. The program focus is that academic, social, community, and vocational training. The Multi-handicapped Program (M4) provides substantially separate educational opportunities for students with multiple cognitive, physical, and medical disabilities. The program focus is that of academic, social, community, and vocational training.
The curriculum utilized within each of these programs includes, but is not limited to, Handwriting Without Tears, Semple Math, Project Read, Edmark Reading Program, Edmark Spelling Program, Activities of Daily Living, Community Training, and Vocational Training. The students are assessed using the criteria established for use with the Massachusetts Alternative Assessment process. All curriculum areas are aligned with the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) standards established by the Massachusetts Department of Education. On a case-by-case basis, students may receive Adapted Physical Education, Speech, Vision, Occupational, and Physical Therapies as indicated by the students Individualized Educational Plan.