Here at 20 Child Street stood the Mission Hill School. This school served the Mission Hill and Jamaica Plain neighborhoods. It was a public pilot school for pre-kindergarten to 8th grade students.
Founded in 1997, Mission Hill School was the brainchild of Deborah Meier. She collaborated with Elizabeth Knox Taylor and other colleagues. The school operated under the Boston Public Schools system. Meier often highlighted the school in her publications.
Mission Hill School was a member of the Coalition of Essential Schools. About 220 students attended. The school promoted democratic decision-making at all levels. The curriculum emphasized five democratic Habits of Mind. These habits encouraged students to think critically. Arts were also strongly emphasized. Students graduated by creating portfolios. They defended their work before a panel of evaluators. Admission was based on a lottery system. Some preference was given to local families and siblings of current students. Graduates often excelled in higher education. The school’s innovative methods were studied internationally.
Meier’s 2002 book, In Schools We Trust, extensively featured Mission Hill School. She argued that high-stakes testing hindered schools like Mission Hill. Meier also discussed the school in other books. Matthew Knoester wrote Democratic Education in Practice: Inside the Mission Hill School in 2012. The 2014 documentary Good Morning Mission Hill was directed by Tom and Amy Valens. Mission Hill School also published a newsletter featuring contributions from staff, students, and families.
In 2012, the school controversially moved locations within Boston. This move faced resistance from the school community.
In 2021, the City of Boston settled a lawsuit. The lawsuit involved unaddressed sexual misconduct allegations. The city paid over $650,000 to affected families. Boston Public Schools removed administrators and teachers. They took over operations after further allegations surfaced.
In 2022, law firm Hinckley Allen investigated the school. The investigation revealed failures in addressing bullying and sexual misconduct. It also found neglect of students with disabilities. Boston Public Schools superintendent Brenda Cassellius recommended closing the school. Mayor Michelle Wu and other city officials supported the closure.
Despite efforts to save the school, the Boston School Committee voted to close it in May 2022. The closure occurred at the end of the 2021-2022 school year. Many families, teachers, and students criticized the lack of transparency. They also protested falsehoods promoted by Boston Public Schools and local media.
The Hinckley Allen law firm was paid $679,000 for its investigation. The firm issued a report deeming Mission Hill a failed institution. The report cited indifference to bullying and sexual misconduct reports. Investigators claimed officials hid behind lofty goals. These goals included social justice and social-emotional growth.
The second phase of the Hinckley Allen report was never released publicly. Officials cited attorney-client privilege. The report was expected to focus on funding adequacy. It would examine why administrators failed to intervene earlier.
Dr. Billie-Jo Grant criticized the decision to withhold the second report. Jamie Gass echoed this sentiment. He emphasized the importance of transparency in public schools.
The Mission Hill School, once a beacon of progressive education, closed its doors. Its legacy remains a topic of debate. The school’s innovative spirit will be remembered by many.