Form 990, Part I, Line 1, Description of Organization Mission |
Beacon Academy provides a transformational year between 8th & 9th grades to promising, motivated and hard-working students from Boston and surrounding urban areas. Inspired by a challenging curriculum and stimulating co-curricular experiences, students learn vital academic skills and develop habits of mind that empower them to change the trajectory of their lives. They emerge as active learners with increased confidence,critical thinking skills, and broader vision, prepared to thrive at competitive, independent and public exam high schools that share our commitment to their success. |
Form 990, Part III, Line 1, Description of Organization Mission |
Beacon Academy identifies, confronts and brideges the achievement gap between Boston's low-income urban students and their more affluent peers. Our mission is to change the trajectory of our students' lives through access to excellent educational opportunities. We provide an extra 14 months of full-time school for promising and motivated urban students who have completed the 8th grade, but who are underprepared for challenging independent high schools. Beacon has three essential components: our 14 month school, our alumni program and our strategic outreach to share best practices in educating urban youth. Beacon academy is the only school of its kind in the country. Our students arrive at Beacon Academy dramatically undereducated and underprepared. Many have never written formal essays and are missing key math skills and other basic knowledge. This lack of quality preparation perpetuates the cycle of poverty that characterizes too much of urban Boston and surrounding areas. Northeastern University's Report, "Getting to the Finish Line" states that only 7.5% of students of color from non-exam public schools will complete a two or four year degree within seven years of entering college. Further, the few who do move on to higher education are not adequately prepared and are often placed in remedial college classes. In contrast: 100% of the Beacon students from our classes have graduated from high school. 90% of our high school graduates enrolled in college. 80% of Beacon's founding class is slated to graduate from four-year colleges within six years of starting. Collectively, our students have earned millions of dollars in high school and college scholarships. Beacon mitigates the frisis in education among economically disadvantaged youths through our intense academic program and our continued investment in our graduates. |
Form 990, Part VI, Section A, Line 8B: |
There are no other committees with authority to act on behalf of the governing body. |
Form 990, Part VI, Section B, Line 11a: |
Each member of the board of directors is provided with a copy of Form 990. Form 990 is reviewed by the head of school and the treasurer prior to filing. |
Form 990, Part VI, Section B, Line 12C: |
The Organization requires employees and board members to disclose actual or possible financial conflicts of interest when they arise. The Organization then takes the appropriate steps to resolve the conflict. |
Form 990, Part VI, Section B, Line 15: |
The head of school's compensation is determined after a review and evaluation by a subcommittee of the board of directors. Other employees are managed by the head of school and the board of directors approves final compensation of employees and officers. |
Form 990, Part VI, Section C, Line 19: |
The Organization makes its governing documents, conflict of interest policy and financial statements available upon request. The Organization also has its annual report and other informtion available via Guidestar.org |