SU RVE Y HIG H LIG HTS A PORTRAIT OF
BOSTON UNIVERSITY ACADEMY AS DRAWN BY ITS COMMUNITY
A culture of inquiry. Rigorous examination. Honesty and integrity. These core values of Boston University Academy inspired us to conduct a frank, independent, and comprehensive analysis of BUA itself. In 2016, we engaged a respected research firm to find out how we’re doing.
NBS
Lookout Management, Inc. has analyzed over 100 independent schools, surveying students, faculty, staff, families, alumni, and parents of alumni. Their report on BUA was both revealing and gratifying: BUA achieved outstanding scores in many categories across all constituents. We earned 19 “New Best Scores” (NBS) — the highest scores ever recorded in those categories among the schools surveyed. Many other scores were at least one full standard deviation above average.
The survey shows that the joy of inquiry, critical thinking, integrity, and hard work are alive and well at BUA. Every member of the BUA community should take pride in what we have achieved. As we anticipated, the survey also suggested opportunities for improvement. The world has become more interconnected, creating new expectations for interpersonal communications and social fluency. With the same dedication that we expect from our students, we will sustain what works well and make enhancements where needed. Our goal is to ensure that every BUA student graduates with an inquisitive, agile intellect and the personal, social, and emotional skills to live a responsible, engaged, and productive life.
COM M U N IT Y
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WHAT’S NEXT — The world is evolving. Expectations are changing. To help BUA students thrive in college, and in life, we will develop more opportunities to collaborate, interact, present, and persuade.
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NBS
Intellectual Curiosity Writing Effectively Working Independently
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B UA S U RVE Y H IG H LI G HT S
NBS
NBS
93.4%
93.3%
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Ongoing, strong upward trends in alumni satisfaction with arts programs including visual arts, music, and drama.
NBS
Critical Thinking
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activities, including Social Justice Alliance, Longsword, Go (围棋), Performing Arts Outing Club, and DIY Club.
recreational sports, including distinctive options such as crew, fencing, and ultimate Frisbee.
BAL AN CE
intellectual buzz of being part of a world-class research university — the survey shows that we have earned our reputation for academic excellence. Our educational model works, and works well.
40+ clubs and
15 interscholastic and
NBS
WHAT IT MEANS — A rigorous curriculum, high expectations, the
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— BUA Parent
NBS
of alumni feel they were taught well. Trends show increasing satisfaction among 20 years of BUA alumni (1996-2015) surveyed.
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“The faculty and students together create an incredibly interesting, stimulating, witty, and challenging community.”
93.6%
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— BUA Student
WHAT’S NEXT — From academics to extracurriculars, from students to faculty, from freshmen to seniors, from BU Academy to Boston University — this sense of connectedness has a profound and lasting impact throughout the school. We are working to strengthen these bonds and amplify the benefits of being part of this remarkable community.
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New Best Scores in:
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“An intellectual and friendly community is what makes BUA, BUA.”
feel comfortable, valued, and connected. The atmosphere at BUA enables students to do their best academic work while also providing a foundation for personal growth and social engagement.
— BUA Alum
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WHAT IT MEANS — BUA is a robust, supportive community where students
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of students feel known, indicating a tight-knit, engaged community.
BUA students strongly agreed with the statement: “I am treated as an individual with unique needs, interests and talents” (New Best Score), and with the statement, “There is at least one trusted adult I can talk to at BUA.”
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of students feel physically safe on our vibrant, cosmopolitan campus.
94.6%
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95.2%
NBS
“I don’t know of any other school giving such a powerful set of analytical tools to students so early.”
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— BUA Student
NBS
BUA received high ratings for:
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“I feel that both the faculty and my peers care about me.”
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of students feel well prepared for college when they graduate from BUA.
of alumni felt better prepared for college than the average college freshman.
WHAT IT MEANS — Participation in sports and
extracurriculars is important for exploration, leadership, and self-discovery. A balance of academics and out-of-classroom activity is an essential part of the BUA experience. WHAT’S NEXT — Sharing experiences builds community, and BUA students are enthusiastically embracing a rich mix of opportunities. But are they getting enough sleep? Do they have too much homework? We are mindful of weighing these demands and expectations in pursuit of the right balance.
“We think the school is extraordinary and prepares students not just for college but for life.” — BUA Parent
WHAT IT MEANS — Both measures of preparedness above were the
highest scores ever recorded among the surveyed schools. Students also reported a higher-than-average willingness to face new challenges. These scores emphatically demonstrate how effectively a BUA education prepares students for success. WHAT’S NEXT — More than ever, students today are dealing with stress, work/life balance, and time management. Giving them the tools to address these realities will strengthen both their academic performance and their physical and emotional health.
“I credit BUA with helping me become a profoundly better writer, critical thinker, and successful person....” — BUA Alum
PR E PAR E DN E SS
“My child has blossomed at BUA. I am thankful every day that she is attending such a wonderful school.” — BUA Parent
When we say spirit of inquiry, we mean it. Let’s continue the conversation. Dr. Ari Betof, Head of School, would love to know what you’re thinking. engagebua@bu.edu
buacademy.org