James J. Chittick Elementary School

Did you know a simple game of “squash” could connect generations at the James J. Chittick Elementary School? This isn’t about racquets and a court. This squash involved punching a pitched ball and running bases. The James J. Chittick Elementary School, built in 1931 by the M.A. Dyer Company, holds many memories like this. Named after Reverend James J. Chittick, a local pastor, the school has served the Mattapan community for decades. It’s a small school, known for its nurturing environment and academic challenges. The Chittick School prides itself on empowering children to believe and achieve. They offer a range of programs, from physical education and music to technology and visual arts. There’s even a Highly Specialized Autistic Strand. The school also boasts a bookstore every Thursday, encouraging reading at home. After-school programs, a strong parent council, and monthly newsletters further enhance the community feel. The modern Chittick School has a new computer lab and specialist teachers for various subjects. They even have a Playworks program for safe and healthy playtime. But beyond the structured learning, it’s the echoes of games like “squash” that truly bring the James J. Chittick Elementary School to life. Former students, decades apart, remember playing this unique game in the schoolyard, a testament to the enduring spirit of childhood and the power of shared experiences at James J. Chittick.