Social justice is integral to every aspect of Codman Academy. Through the exposure to an expeditionary learning curriculum deeply rooted in social justice, Codman students demonstrate both an awareness of social justice issues and a commitment to give back to the community.
In the Lower School, students study global differences in education systems, human rights, and multiple case studies of how different people have survived and thrived in the face of incredible odds. Science study starts with learning about the natural world and progresses into deeper understanding of the importance of biodiversity and human impact on our environment.
In the Middle School, humanities classes explore concepts of justice through study of the Civil Rights Movement, global refugee issues, human rights, and African-American resistance to U.S. slavery. Science classes explore environmental justice from the cellular level to contemporary activists’ strategies for change.
In the Upper School, humanities classes afford students the opportunity to explore differing concepts of justice, learn about resistance movements in and out of the United States, and critically examine common versions of history. Math and science classes also explore issues related to social justice including the study of climate change and sustainable living, the physics of public safety, and ethical dilemmas stemming from advances in biology.
Students at Codman Academy demonstrate a commitment to social justice and interest in giving back to the community in a variety of ways. As part of the Huntington-Codman collaboration, the entire 10th grade writes and performs their own showcase production, based on the texts read in Humanities 10 that explore a number social justice issues.
All seniors complete a capstone Senior Social Action Project as part of the Humanities curriculum. This service learning assignment breaks students into teams of 4-5 and asks that they choose, research, and design a social justice project to benefit the community. Recent topics include the media’s portrayal of race during the Haiti disaster, domestic violence in the community, and the impact of HIV/AIDS in the community.
Past projects include Hope for Haiti, a public art installation honoring Haitian culture and history, created by Joan Green’s Saturday art class. This project was created in response to a request from the Codman Square Health Center to create a public art exhibit to honor Haiti after the earthquake there. Students decided to focus the project on “Hope for Haiti” rather than the destruction of Port au Prince. Students interviewed Haitian neighbors, to learn about Haitian culture and studied at Haitian intuitive art and borrowed stylistic elements. Check out the feature video on Boston Network News!
When the French Embassy issued a travel warning to its citizens for the neighborhoods of Dorchester, Roxbury, and Mattapan, Codman students responded with a letter to the French Ambassador, took action, and created their own walking tour of Dorchester, celebrating the rich cultural heritage and diversity.
Codman Academy Charter Public School has always had a broad vision of social justice and commitment to transforming our community. We believe that the most powerful way do that is by educating and supporting the leadership of our students, alumni, families, and staff. Staff meet monthly to deepen their skills at addressing diversity and equity throughout the school. Resources for parents and educators are regularly updated and available to everyone.
We believe in community transformation through human development. Health and education are seamless sides of the same enterprise: to enhance the quality of life of the body and mind for all those we serve.
