Curley K-8 School

“WHEN I SAY CURLEY, YOU SAY CARES!” echoes in my mind as we stand before the Curley K-8 School. This chant, a testament to the school’s core values, encapsulates its commitment to caring for oneself, each other, and the school itself. Curley K-8 isn’t just a school. It’s a vibrant hub where empathy, respect, and inclusion are woven into the fabric of daily life. This dedication to inclusivity propelled Curley K-8 to achieve National Banner status for its Unified Champion Schools programming. This prestigious award, the highest honor bestowed by Special Olympics, recognizes schools that champion inclusion and leadership for students of all abilities. Curley K-8 earned this accolade by excelling in Unified Sports, inclusive youth leadership, and whole-school engagement. In 2024, the school celebrated this achievement with a day of festivities. The Unified Basketball team paraded through hallways filled with cheering students, signs, and confetti. A ceremony followed, attended by students, faculty, Special Olympics MA staff, BPS Superintendent Mary Skipper, and Boston Disability Commissioner Kristen McCosh. Superintendent Skipper praised Curley K-8 as a place where everyone feels welcome and included. The ceremony also featured speeches from a former BPS student and Special Olympics Inclusion Ambassador, as well as Curley K-8 students. Performances by neuro-diverse students in music and the arts showcased the school’s commitment to whole-school engagement. The celebrations continued with a surprise visit from Boston Celtics star Derrick White, a Special Olympics advocate. He joined students for a high-five tunnel, a Unified Basketball scrimmage, and photo opportunities. The students’ pride was palpable. Curley K-8, with a student body of 931, also stands out for its diverse student population. This diversity enriches the learning environment and fosters a sense of community. With a student-teacher ratio of 10:1, teachers can provide individualized attention and support to each student. The school offers classes from pre-K to 8th grade, providing a comprehensive educational experience for students of all ages. Although academic proficiency scores in reading and math are currently at 32% and 24% respectively, the school’s dedicated teachers, with an average salary of $108,865, are committed to improving these outcomes. Curley K-8 School’s story is one of inclusion, dedication, and celebration. It’s a story of how a school can become a beacon of hope and a model for other schools across Massachusetts.