The top reported proficiency rate is 16% in Math. The lowest is 6% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Up Academy Charter School of Boston (district)
UP Academy Charter School of Boston (District) is a single-school charter district serving grades six through eight in Suffolk County. The district consists of one middle school, the UP Academy Charter School of Boston. For families considering this school, a clear picture emerges from state assessment results, enrollment data, and county-level comparisons.
The school’s enrollment is small relative to many middle schools. Student demographics show that the largest groups are Black and Hispanic students, together making up the great majority of the student body. Asian, White, and multiracial students each represent small shares. Data on economic disadvantage, special education status, and English learner status were not reported by the state, so a parent may want to ask the school directly about the share of students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals and the availability of supports for students with disabilities or language needs.
On the state’s Next Generation MCAS assessments, proficiency rates are low. In math, about one in seven students scored at the proficient or advanced level. In English language arts, the rate is similar. In science, the share of students reaching proficiency is very small. Across all tested subjects, the school’s overall proficiency index places it in the bottom quartile among Suffolk County’s districts. The school’s average scale scores are below the state average. Participation rates on the tests were high, so the results reflect nearly all enrolled students.
Chronic absenteeism is a significant concern. The school’s chronic absenteeism rate places it in the bottom quartile among county districts, meaning a large share of students miss substantial instructional time. A parent may want to ask the school about what attendance supports and interventions are in place.
Because the district serves only middle school grades, there is no graduation rate to report, and no high school course offerings such as Advanced Placement or career pathways. The school’s per-pupil current spending is in the upper range among Suffolk County districts, well above the county median. This suggests relatively high per-student financial resources, though how those resources are directed is not detailed in the available data.
The district’s governance structure is as a single-campus charter management organization. No information was found about recent district changes or strategic initiatives; the school’s public profile is static. Families may need to contact the school directly for the most current information on curriculum, extracurricular programs, and school climate.
For a parent, this school offers a small, middle-grades-only setting in Boston with a student body that is predominantly Black and Hispanic. Academic proficiency rates are low compared with other districts in the county, and chronic absenteeism is elevated. Spending per student is high, which could fund additional supports, but the outcomes data do not yet show that translating into high test scores. Families considering this school should seek detailed information about academic intervention programs, attendance efforts, and the school’s approach to instruction and student support.
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