Trauma-Informed Design:
Codman has a “trauma-informed” approach to education in order to support its scholars through school and beyond. Our trauma-informed approach is reflected not just in the way adults interact with and teach our students, but in the way our buildings were designed.
Learn More about our trauma-informed design
Codman has a “trauma-informed” approach to education in order to support its scholars through school and beyond. We have systems in place that support all children and staff who may be suffering from the stress induced by trauma. All teachers at Codman, for example, are trained in the research into childhood trauma. Teachers work with coaches to ensure what they are teaching and how they teach takes account of this. There are clear, written schedules in each classroom, and changes are kept to a minimum, to create a safe, predictable environment for all students, but there is also a recognition that flexibility is essential.
Our trauma-informed approach is reflected not just in the way adults interact with and teach our students, but in the way our buildings were designed. The school’s design incorporates cues that it is a safe space, with slightly curved corridors; an emphasis on neutral, calming colors; nature elements integrated in the dining hall; bookcases that can be covered with cloths in order to minimize visual distraction, as well as “cozy caves” in the classrooms for younger children.
A safe haven in a world of uncertainty
Building Resilience through Intentional Educational Design at Codman Academy
The City and World As Our Classroom:
When we founded Codman in 2001, we envisioned an education for our students that took them beyond the four walls of their classroom. Our intention is to create a learning environment that is different from the typical school experience – one that isn’t limited by our small campus or confined to our classrooms.
Learn More about how our students use the city and world as their classroom
When we founded Codman in 2001, we envisioned an education for our students that took them beyond the four walls of their classroom. Our vision statement encapsulates our dedication to this innovative style of learning: “With the city and world as our classroom, we build a school community rich in rigorous academics and daily experiences of discovery.” Our students use their academic skills in real life, apply critical thinking and analysis to everyday problems, and are fearless in creating solutions to the world’s problems.
Our intention is to create a learning environment that is different from the typical school experience – one that isn’t limited by our small campus or confined to our classrooms. We believe that the best way for students to engage with and learn about the world is by actually being and working in that world, whether that’s our local neighborhood, internship sites around the city, summer programs across the country, or postgraduate programs around the globe.
A few examples of our scholars using the world as their classroom:
- Students in grades K1-8 have marched to the local post office to deliver hand-written cards encouraging President Trump to be kinder and more accepting of all US residents, regardless of nation of origin.
- A group of Upper School students joined hundreds of thousands of protestors in Washington, DC to show solidarity with fellow social justice activists at the March For Our Lives rally, demanding an end to gun violence.
- Students have presented to the MA Department of Transportation to advocate for more crosswalks and safer streets in the school neighborhood.
- They have opened Codman up to French dignitaries for a lively debate after the French government discouraged residents from visiting Dorchester.
- They have also testified in front of the Chairs of the Joint Committee on Education to encourage agricultural development in the area.
Sustainability and Healthy Meals:
Our Lower-Middle School building is an LEED-certified building, and the Upper School has a Teaching Garden outside of the cafeteria. Our Upper School cafeteria, Café 637, provides free healthy breakfast, lunch, and snack to 100% of our students in addition to offering a low-priced, healthy meal option for school and health center staff.
Learn More about our commitment to sustainability
Codman is a small school with a big focus on sustainability. Our Lower-Middle School building is a LEED-certified building, and the Upper School has a Teaching Garden outside of the cafeteria. Implementing school gardens is an important component of our holistic approach to education. The Teaching Garden will be a tool for our biology, chemistry, and nutrition courses as well as for enrichment for our Lower School students. It will also be a community space for Codman Square, a neighborhood that is lacking in green space.
Café 637: Café 637, provides free breakfast, lunch and snack to 100% of our students in addition to offering a low-priced, healthy meal option for school and health center staff.
For any questions, please contact Ellen Nylen, Food Services Supervisor ([email protected]).
School Design Features:
