The driving force behind full-service schools is that children can learn effectively only when they are ready to learn. And readiness to learn comes only when emotional, physical, and psychological distress are at manageable levels.

Many of Boston’s public school children, however, face numerous economic or emotional stressors, including family instability, limited access to quality health care and mental health services, unsafe neighborhoods, and language or cultural barriers.

Data from BPS and the U.S. Census reveal that the city’s children and youth face a number of challenges outside of school:

• 72% of BPS students are low-income.
• 20% of BPS students are classified as special education students.
• For 43% of BPS students, English is not their home language.  19% of BPS students are classified as Limited English Proficient (LEP) or English Language Learners (ELL). 
• Nearly 23,000 Boston households with children under 18 are headed by single mothers.

To address these challenges that are barriers to the academic success and healthy development of Boston’s students, full-service schools offer a range of services, including psychological and family counseling, health clinics, before- and after-school programs, and other community resources at the school.  National evaluations of full-service schools show improved student achievement, attendance, and social development; positive impact on school climate; and better family and parent leadership and engagement. 

Full-service schools is an idea whose time has come.

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Full-service Schools Roundtable 443 Warren Street, Dorchester, MA 02121
Phone: 617-635-6537 Fax: 617-635-8027 Email: info@fssroundtable.org