Student Life
A community that rises together.
Every member of our Ivy Street community is united by the same guiding principles: our RISE expectations. We aim to be responsible, inspiring, safe, and engaged. We push each other to be our best, and hold each other accountable when things get difficult.
These values are present in all we do. In the classroom, on the basketball court, and on the streets of Boston, we work to uphold RISE. By aligning ourselves with these values, we demonstrate our commitment to the Ivy Street community.
RISE Expectations
- Responsible
- Inspiring
- Safe
- Engaged
Arts
Ivy Street students have many opportunities to participate in the arts. Students attend music class during the school day on a weekly or twice weekly basis, learning about music theory, songwriting, and theater concepts. Our extensive catalog of elective courses includes additional offerings in the arts, including performance and visual arts. Our arts programming culminates each year with Extravaganza, a student talent show focused on showcasing the variety of artistic talents within our community.
Watch: Felipe performs an original rap at Extravaganza
Athletics
We have many athletes in our student body. Some students have held a lifelong interest in sports; others became involved upon arriving at Ivy Street. Our inclusive athletic community makes space for all to join, regardless of skill level or experience.
Students participate in gym class weekly or twice weekly, where our Physical Education Teacher covers a multitude of topics related to sports, physical activity, and general wellness. Many students choose to join one of our Special Olympics sports teams: flag football, basketball, volleyball, softball, and cheerleading. Our teams allow confidence, sportsmanship, and friendships to develop in a safe and welcoming team environment. Go Hawks!
Watch: Ivy Street Hawks compete in Special Olympics
Exploration
The first thing to mention about the facilities here at Ivy Street is our proximity to public transportation, jobs, banks, stores, and everything a student might come across in everyday life. It’s all just a short walk away.
There’s swimming and rock climbing at Boston University. Rowing on the Charles and learning history on the Freedom Trail. Real employment and internship opportunities. Our students have access to all that Boston has to offer.
Immersion in the community is paramount to our success. We know that our students learn best by doing new things and having hands-on experiences. Students take community trips with their classes at least once weekly. Some students go off campus daily. Whether it’s for a classroom field trip or out to lunch with a favorite teacher, the opportunities for community exploration are many.
Our Community
There’s just something special about the Ivy Street community. Students can be themselves here. We cheer each other on. We are relentlessly committed to inclusion, and we never tire of lifting each other up.
It’s a community that deserves to be celebrated – and we do so often. We hold several annual traditions that create space for celebration and strengthen pride in our school. At Extravaganza, graduation, prom, our musical showcases, several school dances, and festive holiday events, we come together to honor our community.