Boston University Academy

Boston University Academy
Latin: Academia Universitarum Bostoniensis
Motto	Nil Doctis Arduum (Nothing Daunts a Scholar)
Established	Founded in 1993
Type	Independent secondary School
Principal	James Berkman
Students	156
Location	Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Campus	One building, located in the center of the Boston University campus. BUA has full use of the University facilities.
Colors	Scarlet, White and Black
Nickname	BUA
Mascot	Rhett the Boston Terrier
Affiliations	Boston University, The New England Association of Schools and Colleges
Website	www.buacademy.org

Boston University Academy (BUA) is private high school operated by Boston University. Founded in 1993 and located on the Boston University campus, the Academy is geared toward college preparatory work. As part of its integration with the university, students are able to take college courses for credit their junior and senior years, and are guaranteed acceptance to Boston University upon maintaining a 3.0 grade point average at the Academy.

BUA's student body is drawn from 49 communities. 50% come from independent schools, 42% from public schools, 4% from parochial schools and 4% are from home schools. 22% are students of color. BUA provides tuition assistance to approximately 31% of the students.

Mission

The mission of Boston University Academy is to educate talented students who are passionate about learning and who share the joy of inquiry. Engaging with dedicated teachers in a small and caring community, students first immerse themselves in a classically-based curriculum and then continue to expand their intellectual interests in high school at Boston University, a major research institution.

Academic Rigor

BU Academy student SAT scores are consistently high. According to Peterson's Guide, in 2007 all students scored 600 or above on all three sections of the SATs. Of the 37 members of the class of 2007, 18 were Commended National Merit Scholars, and 6 were National Merit Semi-Finalists. (National Merit Commended Scholars generally score in the top 2% of all PSAT/NMSQT test-takers.

However, the focus of the school is not on standardized test taking or college admission. Rather, the school seeks to introduce its students to the rich western tradition while giving a solid background in academics.

Accreditation

The Academy is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and is a member of both the Secondary School Admission Test Board and the Association of Independent Schools of New England.

History

Boston University Academy was proposed and founded in 1993 by Peter Schweich, then the Vice President of Boston University, and authorized by John Silber, then the president of Boston University. Peter Schweich was its first headmaster, and served in that role until 1999, when he was succeeded by Dr. Jennifer Bond Hickman. James Tracy replaced Dr. Hickman and served until the spring of 2006, when he was replaced by the current Head of School, James Berkman.

When BU Academy was founded it covered grades 9-12; an 8th grade of approximately 20 students was added in 1999. The 8th grade was dropped in 2005.

Cost

Tuition and fees for the 2009-2010 school year is $30,123. Thirty two percent of students receive some sort of financial aid, with the average grant covering $17,588.

Notable faculty

Boston University Academy has many graduates of prestigious universities on its faculty, most with advanced degrees.

Philip Gambone is a published author who teaches freshman English.

Dr. Brett Abigaña, who teaches music at BUA, was named one of the 19 most influential woodwind composers of 2011 by music authority Tim Reynish.

Student activities

Student activities include:

• Model United Nations- a student run club including nearly one-third of the school's student population. BUA Model UN website
• Science Team- a large team who competes to demonstrate their superior science skills in the Western Suburban Science League.
• Robotics-The BUA Robotics team competes in the FIRST league and many local competitions.
• Sports such as: Basketball, Crew, Crosscountry, Fencing, Sailing, Soccer, Tennis, and Ultimate Frisbee.
• Nerdly Hobbies, a student-run club which organizes Dungeons & Dragons games, Miniatures Wargames (like Warhammer 40,000), Magic: The Gathering Tournaments, and various leisure activities.
• Dance Team
• Photography Club
• Yearbook
• Cheese Club, a student run organization celebrating cheese.
• Social Issues group
• Opera Club, which studies and then attends a performance of various opera.
• Math Team
• Film Club
• Environmental club- A club who helps the environment through an extensive recycling program.
• Literary Magazine (LitMag) and LitCafe, where student authors and artist can publish and share their works with the school community.
• BU Academy Press- A student-run and edited newspaper that brings the important news to the students.
• Art Club
• Gallery Hoppers, where students take an afternoon to visit a local art gallery (and often grab a snack).
• Drama, including the Drama class as well as the Senior Play and Independent Drama.
• Many Students help in admissions, performing such functions as Tour Guides and Hosting visiting applicants
• Student Council, which organizes most student activities and functions.
• Peer Tutors- A group of students who help their peers by tutoring them in subjects where they need help.
• Peer Advisors- A group of students who help new students transition to the academy.
• Chess Club
• MSSG- A club for members of the school coming from the north shore.
• "'Gay Straight Alliance"'
• Mandatory community service

Student activities formerly included other activities such as:

• Music Diversity club

External links

• buacademy.org-Official Site
• buamun.org-Model UN Site
• Robotics Website