We at the P. A. Shaw Elementary School believe in developing critical thinkers and active citizens in the community. Through rigorous instruction, inquiry-based learning, and family-community engagement practices, we will foster the relationships necessary to ensure that all children are successful and take ownership of who they are, where they come from, and where they are going.

The Shaw reopened in Fall 2014 to serve Boston’s growing population of its youngest students. In 2016-17 it will offer K0 through grade 2. The Shaw will continue its expansion by one grade per year through grade 5. K0 and K1 classrooms are implementing the OWL curriculum – Opening the World of Learning – to develop language and literacy as well as social skills, using favorite children’s books, songs, and poems. Building Blocks introduces the Shaw’s youngest students to key ideas in mathematics using their bodies, hands-on activities, paper and pencil, and computers.

The school’s K2 classrooms are using the district’s new curriculum called Focus on K2.  Focus on K2 is a comprehensive, integrated approach for kindergarten that combines the most current research on teaching and learning with attention to high standards for achievement.  Focus engages children’s creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and communication. 

With a Focus on K2 classroom, you will see children working in learning centers for much of the day.  They might be reading, writing, talking, singing, building with blocks, conducting science, engineering, or math investigations, or taking on roles through dramatization. Learning with a Focus on K2 classroom is active, interesting, and fun.

Special Features:

• Extended Learning Time school with a focus on social-emotional learning and STEM (science/technology/engineering/math)
• Home visiting program
• Emphasis on hands-on learning
• Interdisciplinary learning centers, such as the Block Area, Dramatization Center, and Art Studio
• Instruction in small groups where teachers help students build basic skills
• OWL and Building Blocks programs for K0 and K1 to give our youngest students a strong foundation in literacy, math, and social skills
• Long-term projects that allow children to go deeply into what they are learning
• Focus on guiding students to become good citizens and members of a community
• Specialty classes: gym, visual arts, library, and performing arts

Special programs:

• Small classes for children with disabilities

Before and after school programs in our building:

• Before school, 7:15-9:15 am: provided by YMCA Dorchester
• After school, 3:30-6:00 pm: also provided by YMCA Dorchester