School earns $100,000 ‘School on the Move’ award

Mattahunt Elementary School in Mattapan was recently recognized for its outstanding achievements. The elementary school boasts a high rate of student and family engagement and community partnerships, as well as a unique curriculum featuring the nation’s first dual language Haitian Creole program.

The Boston-based school improvement organization EdVestors has awarded their School on the Move Prize for over a decade, with this year being their 19th recognizing schools for their outstanding achievements and unwavering commitment to the cultivation of inspiring and innovative curriculums and learning environments conducive to the needs of all students.

The Mattahunt displayed exceptional progress over time, with the school implementing the nation’s first dual language Haitian Creole program for elementary-age students, speaking to their commitment to fostering wholistically inclusive learning environments for all the students their community serves.

This award is even more incredible when examining the Mattahunt’s past hardships; the elementary school closed in 2017 because of low performance and began the journey to revamp its leadership team, its mission and its vision.

With more than 50% of their student body identifying English as their secondary language, the Mattahunt is committed to the implementation of a curriculum that is inclusive of their English learning students in a way that caters to them directly.

Walter Henderson, principal of Mattahunt Elementary School, spoke to the school’s academic prowess, stating, “Mattahunt Elementary School is a family of learners. We ensure that every school community member is communicated to and connected with. We make sure that our families get what they need, know they’ll be listened to, feel welcomed, and feel confident we’re able to meet the instructional needs of their children. No child will fall through the cracks at the Mattahunt.”

The school was awarded $100,000, receiving $80,000 in cash and using the remaining funds for research.

Other School on the Move Prize finalists, Boston Adult Technical Academy and Josiah Quincy Elementary School, will be awarded a record $20,000 that can be attributed to the generosity of an anonymous donor.

Mayor Michelle Wu and Boston Public Schools Superintendent Mary Skipper were in attendance, in addition to 300 members of the community, at an award ceremony hosted on October 22, where the winner was announced.

Praising the Mattahunt, Skipper said, “Our Boston Public Schools community is proud to celebrate the remarkable achievements of the Mattahunt. Their inspirational story shows that through the power of community and a strong shared vision, schools can deliver a high-quality education for every student.

“I’m grateful for our partnership with EdVestors,” said Skipper, “and their steadfast support of our District. As we continue to strive for equity and excellence, we look forward to learning from the innovative practices of these finalists and sharing their successes throughout our schools.”