Boston University Academy Viewbook

BE CURIOUS. BE KIND. BE YOU — AT BUA.

If you’re intensely curious, genuinely kind, and confidently yourself, you can achieve almost anything. If your high school is in a world-class city (like Boston) on a resourcerich university campus (like BU) and filled with friends and teachers who support your every endeavor (like BUA), nothing can stop you. So come join our dynamic and welcoming community and make high school a life-changing opportunity to pursue your passions as far as you can take them.

LIFE AT BUA

BE BESTYOURSELF

IMAGINE YOURSELF IN A CLOSE-KNIT GROUP OF ABOUT 230 BRIGHT, INQUISITIVE STUDENTS, ALL EAGER TO LEARN AND GROW. Imagine engaging in lively class discussions that often continue outside the classroom, into the hallways and beyond. Imagine feeling completely at home in a high school where you can be yourself, where you’re recognized, respected, understood, and

Welcomeappreciated.toBoston University Academy, where your classes are small and your opportunities are boundless.

No desks here! In BUA classrooms, students and teachers sit together around a seminar table, which encourages student-led discussion and the free exchange of ideas.

Boston University Academy

I’d known this was a school whose students were really advanced and curious. But it’s another thing to actually see it.

These students relish their learning. When they show up to class, not only have they done the reading, but they’ve really thought about it. They enjoy putting an idea out there and having others respond to it. People have differing opinions at BUA, but they listen to one another and work to understand where others are coming from.

BUA works to maintain this environment. It’s a space where students feel like they’re at home—even better than home. There is never a dumb question here. Everything is just exciting. It’s a place where students can be whatever they want to be and where they have the resources, the camaraderie, the solidarity to thrive.”

— Dr. Carlos Martinez ENGLISH TEACHER

4 Be Curious. Be Kind. Be You.

4 Be Kind. Be Curious. Be You.

LEARN WITHOUT LIMITS

You can pursue almost any academic interest at BUA. THE SCHOOL’S DEDICATED MASTER TEACHERS WILL CLOSELY GUIDE YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY. AND YOUR BOSTON UNIVERSITY PROFESSORS WILL HELP YOU EVEN FURTHER. Whether you develop an interest in French poetry, marine biology, economic sociology, or all of the above, at BUA, you’ll be able to indulge your curiosity to your heart’s content.

Since our founding in 1993, we’ve remained an academically rigorous school; that won’t ever change. But we’re also committed to your growth as a person, to your health and wellness, and to cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for you to flourish in.

Boston University Academy classes are all honors-level. Every student gains a solid foundation in the humanities—English, history, and language. Ninth and tenth graders also study physics and chemistry, a visual or performing art, and the level of mathematics they’re ready for, from advanced algebra to multivariable calculus and beyond. BUA’S CORE CURRICULUM PREPARES YOU FOR ANYTHING YOU WANT TO STUDY IN BEDEPTH.

CHALLENGED

HIGH SCHOOL, MEET HIGHER ED

At BUA, you can enjoy an idyllic high school experience and a serious taste of college, too. YOU AND YOUR BUA FRIENDS WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE THE BOSTON UNIVERSITY COURSES THAT INTRIGUE YOU MOST, with the support and guidance of advisors and college counselors. You’ll get to stretch and strengthen your academic abilities—and earn college credit while you’re at it. Choose from more than 2,000

BU courses that cover topics ranging from cognitive psychology to nanotechnology, from writing fiction to writing code, from Amharic to American Sign Language. Your senior thesis is the culmination of four years of learning and the capstone to your BUA education. This yearlong independent research project allows you to study with a University professor, enhancing your ability to read closely, research thoroughly, think analytically, and write coherently in a scholarly fashion. Senior Thesis topics have included: Testing the Linearity of Quantum Mechanics, Hemingway and The Hunger Games: Exploring the Literary Merit and Popularity of Science Fiction, The Role of Acculturation on Mental Health in Chinese Communities, and The Efficacy of Urban Heat Mitigation Techniques in Boston. What subject would you explore?

Boston University Academy students regularly earn as many as 48 college credits (the equivalent of 12 college courses or 1½ years) from Boston University, some or all of which may be transferable at a college’s discretion. IN THE

BE HANDS-ON

Though BUA students get plenty of opportunities to discuss intangible concepts, they also get to explore ideas empirically through lab work, demonstrations, and active involvement. You might examine angular momentum by spinning your lab partner on a stool or create a dramatic, fast-growing tower by dehydrating sugar with sulfuric acid. AT BUA, YOU PREDICT, OBSERVE, EXPLORE, QUESTION, MEASURE, AND TEST THEORIES YOURSELF.

Ninth- and Tenth-Grade Seminars give you opportunities for fun, hands-on learning without the added pressures of grades or homework. These meet once a week and rotate through various topics of study: Health and Wellness; Cultural Competency; Computer Science; Design Thinking at the Boston University Innovate and BUiLD Lab; Engineering at

BU’s Engineering Product Innovation Center (EPIC); and Foundations in Language and Logic.

With our Boston location and access to a major research university, experiential learning opportunities abound. Interested in auditory neuroscience? You could write your senior thesis with a leading expert in the field of biomedical engineering. Fascinated by biochemistry? Consider spending your summer researching x-ray crystallography in the lab of a BU chemistry professor. Ardent about art? Maybe you’d like to dive into the work of a historic painter you admire or collaborate with a contemporary studio artist. WHATEVER YOUR PASSION, THERE’S A PATH TO EXPLORATION.

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

THE ARTS

AT BUA, YOU CAN EXPRESS YOURSELF IN COUNTLESS WAYS—ON CANVAS AND ON STAGE, IN TWO DIMENSIONS OR THREE, THROUGH MUSIC AND MIXED MEDIA.

You can pursue the arts in classes, ensembles, and clubs. Ninth and tenth graders enroll in either a visual or performing arts course, and you can augment and continue your study through extracurricular activities, advanced coursework, and/or independent studies. BUA students put on art shows, plays, musicals, concerts, and cabarets. AS WITH ALL THINGS BUA, THERE ARE NO LIMITS TO WHAT YOU CAN DO.

The first time I visited BUA, it was like I’d walked into Narnia. It was just this magical place where I really felt like I could fit in. People talked about Chaucer with as much enthusiasm as they talked about Harry Potter. I thought, “Oh, these are my people.”

The classes were really exciting. You could feel the rigor in the room—everyone was thinking really hard. It was challenging, but fun, too—there was a sort of lightheartedness about it. Everyone was deeply passionate, with an intense sort of intellectual drive. When I think about my career and my interests and even my personality, BUA is there. I know there’s always an extra challenge that can be approached with joy and curiosity, rather than intimidation or frustration. And that growth mindset has opened all kinds of doors for me.” Kaynor

WHERE CREATIVE MINDS THRIVE

Many BUA students are accomplished musicians. Regardless of your skill level, you have plenty of opportunities to learn and improve. Take a course like Jazz Band, Music Theory, Chamber Orchestra, or The Development of Operatic Style. Pursue an independent study in musical composition and learn from guest composers from the Boston area.

As for visual arts, you can take a foundational course, an advanced arts seminar, or customize your own independent study. Try your hand at digital art, graphic design, photography, ceramics, or sculpture. Paint with oils, acrylics, or watercolors; work on landscapes, portraiture, or anything that intrigues you. Get inspired by visiting artists and other students at both BUA and BU. From the vibrant paintings on the art studio’s windows to artworks on display in BUA’s hallways, creativity abounds everywhere you look.

BE ACTIVE ATHLETICS

AFTER A LONG DAY OF SOPHOCLES AND COSINES, SOMETIMES YOU NEED TO BLOW OFF SOME STEAM.

At BUA, you can choose from more than 25 physical education electives and 15 interscholastic and recreational sports. We’ve got yoga, Pilates, cardio kickboxing, rock climbing, sailing, aerial dance, Zumba, and squash—and that’s not even half the list!

At BU’s 270,000-square-foot Fitness and Recreation Center (FitRec), you can use the weight rooms, multipurpose fitness studios, and aquatic facilities, as well as the squash, racquetball, and basketball courts. Learn to lunge and parry in a fencing match or ply the Charles River in a crew shell.

WORK HARD, PLAY HARD

With BU’s state-of-the-art facilities as our home turf, we enjoy healthy competition against our peer schools in interscholastic play. BUA competes in the Massachusetts Bay Independent League (soccer, cross-country, boys’ basketball, tennis, and ultimate) and in the Girls’ Independent League (girls’ basketball and volleyball), and has taken home league titles in varsity basketball, varsity soccer, fencing, and ultimate frisbee.

BEFORE, AFTER, AND BETWEEN CLASSES, STUDENTS

ENTERTAIN THEMSELVES IN SO MANY WAYS. They work on crossword puzzles, play Dungeons and Dragons, and challenge other advisory groups to volleyball matches during their free time. And on sunny days, they lounge or study on the lawn in front of the BUA building or on the famous “BU Beach.”

At BUA, food is our love language. Enjoy bake sale cookies to benefit Yearbook Club, samosa socials with the South Asian Student Association, and spring rolls provided by the Chinese Culture Club in celebration of Lunar New Year. Ninth- and tenth-grade students can bring their lunch from home or choose from over a dozen food options in BU’s George Sherman Union (GSU) next door—not your average high school cafeteria. Choices include sushi, salads, global street food, gourmet sandwiches, and much more. Ninth and tenth graders get to eat in their own lunchroom, while eleventh and twelfth graders can explore the dining establishments along Commonwealth Avenue.

After classes let out for the day, students head off to sports practice, club meetings, or BU’s Mugar Library. The commute home is a chance to get some reading done, socialize with friends…or just reflect and relax. ENGAGED

BE A HIGH SCHOOLER

YES, BUA IS ACADEMICALLY DEMANDING. BUT IT’S ALSO A LIVELY, HAPPY PLACE WHERE STUDENTS AND TEACHERS GENUINELY ENJOY COMING TO SCHOOL EACH DAY.

Through clubs, trips, events, and outings, the school year is filled with all kinds of celebrations and traditions. From our ninthand tenth-grade overnight retreat, to Fall Festival (bounce house included), to the ski trip, to the Classics Declamation Contest, to prom, there’s always time for fun.

With more than 50 student clubs and 15 interscholastic and recreational sports to choose from, there are more extracurricular opportunities than hours in a day. Some popular options are:

If you can’t find the you’re looking for, you can start your

At BUA, we encourage students to ask for—and welcome—help. That’s why every student is paired with a faculty advisor. WHETHER YOU NEED ADVICE ON PICKING CLASSES, ARE LOOKING FOR STUDY AND TIME MANAGEMENT TIPS, OR WANT HELP NAVIGATING A STICKY SOCIAL SITUATION, YOUR ADVISOR IS ALWAYS THERE FOR YOU.

In the ninth and tenth grade, your advisor helps you adjust to the academic rigors of BUA and supports your social and emotional well-being. In eleventh

Advising is an ongoing source of connection and socialization—and sometimes even includes brownies for a birthday celebration or a fun lunch outing along Commonwealth Avenue! NURTURED

and twelfth grade, you also work closely with BUA’s college counselors and our University liaison to navigate course selection and registration and communicate with the right BU professors.

LOCATION

BE IN BOSTON

THIS UNIQUELY VIBRANT CITY PROVIDES THE IDEAL SETTING FOR HIGH SCHOOL. You and your friends can easily get to museums, libraries, public parks, restaurants, and more. Events and resources abound, from science to sports to social causes. Take a field trip to a research lab. Get inspired at the Museum of Fine Arts. Or join the Performing Arts Outing Club on excursions to the opera, theater, and ballet.

THIS IS YOUR CITY. And beyond all the resources it offers, it gives you the opportunity to become an informed and engaged citizen. Through our monthly Community Service Club outings and our Annual All-School Day of Service, you can volunteer with organizations whose missions are meaningful to you.

BUA is unique because it’s in the city and a lot of students commute by public transportation. I travel about an hour and a half each way, and honestly, I enjoy it. It’s given me the life skill of navigating public transportation and the chance to be independent—one of the reasons I wanted to come to BUA.

Commuting has made me much better at time management, too. On the train, I can plan things out and get my work done. I also know I need to take care of myself, so I’m careful to arrange my time for a balanced life. Commuting lets me take a break from everything if I need it. I can be alone with my thoughts, free-read, listen to music, or just pause after a busy day.

Another good thing about commuting is that it can introduce you to people at BUA who take the same route you do. I’ve definitely made friends that way!”

Fostering an inclusive and equitable community is a priority at BUA. WE BELIEVE THAT SCHOOL IS A PLACE WHERE EVERYBODY SHOULD FEEL AT EASE AND INCLUDED WHILE BEING THEMSELVES. We also believe that an excellent education requires a truly diverse climate—one in which varied backgrounds, cultures, races, religions, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic statuses are represented.

BELONG DIVERSITYAbout60%

of BUA students identify as students of color. BUA students come from over 50 cities and towns in Greater Boston and speak more than two dozen languages at home.

STRENGTH IN DIFFERENCE

With nearly 60% of our student body identifying as students of color, BUA reflects the diverse world you’ll graduate into. The more our school reflects that world, the more likely we are to fill our classrooms with the most curious, capable, and kind students who will raise the level of engagement and challenge for all.

BUA students speak more than two dozen languages at home and come from over 50 towns and cities in and around Greater Boston. From biryani to bibimbap, spanakopita to Swedish meatballs, you don’t have to look further than the dozens of dishes students bring to our annual Be Together International Potluck to see the many rich cultural heritages represented at BUA.

Being part of a global research university also gives you a chance to experience the world without leaving campus. But if you do want to travel, our annual spring trip gives you the opportunity to do so. Past trips have included Italy, Greece, and Japan.

My daughter frequently reports to me that she’s had a great day at school. I hear about the fun she has, both in and out of classes.

There’s definitely a sense of community at BUA—not just in the classroom, but with the soccer team, on Student Council, and in her other activities as well.

Alex loves that BUA is so diverse. Many of her BUA friends have parents who grew up in other countries. She’s surrounded by a multitude of cultural backgrounds; a range of experiences and thoughts.

She is definitely challenged academically and stays really busy with activities. She’s learned to manage her time well and demonstrates more grit. Fortunately, she has a great set of friends and teachers, and they’ve all been quite supportive.”

— JEFF FURMAN

Take a look at our matriculation list, and you’ll see that BUA students go on to attend top colleges and universities throughout the country and around the world.

BUA alumni tell us that they feel more prepared for college than their peers. And after college, BUA alumni go on to lead impressive careers. Among our graduates are bestselling authors, university professors, cancer researchers, and even a US Air Force submarine commander and a Major League Baseball World Series Championship ring holder.

WITH A BUA EDUCATION, THERE ARE TRULY NO LIMITS TO WHAT YOU CAN HIGHBEYONDACCOMPLISH.SCHOOL

BUA seniors in good academic and disciplinary standing are ensured admission at Boston University, with a financial aid package that meets 100% of their demonstrated need. Each year, about 10% of our graduates matriculate at BU.

COLLEGE AND CAREER

FINANCIAL AID

valuable college credits while in high school, we use our financial aid budget of over $2.5 million to provide nearly a third of our students with needbased financial aid. Our comprehensive financial aid program offsets the cost not just of tuition, but also of incidental costs including books, laptops, lunches, and school trips, making us a leader in experiential equity among our peer schools. INCLUDED

We recognize that a BUA education is a major financial investment. BUA is committed to making a stellar education accessible to families of all socioeconomic backgrounds by offering a significant amount of need-based financial aid. Beyond enabling students to earn

ECONOMIC DIVERSITY ENRICHES OUR SCHOOL AND IS ONE OF THE MANY REASONS WE’RE SUCH A MULTIFACETED AND DYNAMIC COMMUNITY.

BUA’s admission process begins in September and applications are due by January 31 for entry the following school year. We welcome applications for grades 9, 10, and 11. However, families with students in grade 7 and younger can complete an online inquiry form to receive materials when they’re eligible to apply.

To take the next step and apply, just visit buacademy.org. Or connect in person by contacting us here: Boston, MA

OUR MISSION

In our caring high-school community, students who love learning are challenged to think critically and read deeply, and to explore adventurously the wider world of learning at Boston University.