




For two decades, the mission of Boston Prep has remained unwavering: to prepare our students to succeed in four-year colleges and to instill within them the values of lifelong ethical growth.
This mission has been our guiding star, driving us forward regardless of any challenges and obstacles we might face.”
-Meekerley Sanon, Executive Director
2024 Annual Toast
Twenty years ago, a vision was born—not just to educate but to transform lives.
This journey began with our Founder, Scott McCue, who spent 2002 and 2003 preparing to open Boston Prep in 2004. His dedication laid the foundation for a school that aimed to serve the Boston community with a steadfast two-part mission. Sharon Liszanckie’s decade of leadership continued to build upon this foundation. Under her guidance, Boston Prep grew from 400 to 700 students, secured a permanent home, and initiated the next phase of our journey with our portrait of a graduate and anti-racism visioning—all while navigating the challenges of a
No matter what obstacles have stood in our way, one thing has always rang true - for the last twenty years, Boston Prep has shown unwavering dedication to nurturing each student’s unique talents and gifts.
As we celebrate 20 years of accomplishments, we honor the legacy built by our staff, students, alumni, families, and supporters who have helped Boston Prep achieve, thrive, and persevere. Twenty years is a significant milestone, yet it , Boston Prep remains committed to evolving and expanding our Our vision is to empower every student to embrace ethical growth, excel academically, and lead with purpose in their communities and beyond.
In the coming years, we will deepen our focus on preparing our students not only for college but for lives marked by resilience, leadership, and social responsibility. We are excited to explore new partnerships and programs that further support our mission. With the collective strength of our dedicated staff, families, alumni, and supporters, Boston Prep is poised to build on our legacy and inspire the next generation of leaders who will
Thank you for your continued support and love for the Boston Prep community. We look forward to all the ways our community will continue to soar to new heights in the years to come.
In partnership,
Meekerley Sanon Executive Director
Kim Borchert Chair, Board of Trustees
Boston Prep draws students from neighborhoods across the Greater Boston area, including Dorchester, Hyde Park, Mattapan, Roxbury, and beyond. Our diverse community includes artists, athletes, step dancers, creative writers, STEM enthusiasts, and more, each bringing unique talents and perspectives to our school. As we continue to grow, these students represent a vibrant mix of interests and backgrounds that enrich our school culture. Here is a look at our school demographics for the 2024 school year.
31.1% of students identify as Hispanic or Latinx
19.1% of students have a reported disability
61.2% of students identify as Black
16.1% of students are English Language Learners
67.5% of students come from low-income househouses
Over the past twenty years, Boston Prep has grown from 110 sixth graders to 700 students across grades six through twelve, positioning itself as a staple in the greater Boston community.
While we have evolved over the years, our commitment to our mission remains the same - to prepare our students to succeed in four-year colleges and to instill the values of lifelong ethical growth.
Boston Prep offers an education that is anchored in rigorous academics and culturally responsive pedagogy.
We cultivate meaningful experiences that guide our students' ethical growth, staying with them throughout their lives.
Boston Prep’s Persistence Project offers support for students from grade 6 through the completion of post secondary education.
For 20 years, Boston Prep has empowered students to excel academically, embrace ethical growth, and prepare for lifelong success. Discover how Boston Prep has evolved and thrived over the past two decades.
Boston Prep was founded by Scott McCue and received its first charter on October 16, 2003.
“Laurent Anfernee Jalen Benett!” With these words, former State Street Boston Chairman and CEO Bill Edgerly selected Boston Preparatory Charter School’s first student. Mr. Edgerly continued to draw 194 more names at the school’s March 11, 2004, admissions lottery. Boston Prep opened its doors to its Founding 6th Grade Class on September 7th, 2004.
Boston Prep students record best ever MCAS results for a first year charter school in Boston.
In 2009, Boston Prep introduced its first AP class, AP U.S. History, with students enjoying a field trip to Washington, D.C. The following year, in 2010, Boston Prep juniors visited Rome, marking the school's first international field trip
Boston’s founding class graduated on June 15, 2011, earning $800,000 of financial aid.
On July 16th, 2012, Boston Prep welcomed a new Executive Director, Sharon Liszanckie.
In 2014, Boston Prep recieved the Pozen Prize for Innovative Schools at the Boston Foundation.
Members of the Boston Prep community came together to witness the new building’s ground breaking on December 5, 2015.
Boston Prep was additional 300 State due to a demonstrated track record of success.
On Saturday, September 8, 2018, Boston Prep held a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at the site of its newly constructed facility in Hyde Park. The project marked the completion of three years of construction of a comprehensive middle and high school building, serving students from throughout the city of Boston. Mayor Martin J. Walsh gave the the Keynote Address.
In March of 2020, Covid-19 forced Boston Prep to pivot to fully remote, online learning.
Two months later, Boston Prep launched the Phoenix Family Fund, providing the opportunity for Boston Prep families to receive cash assistance to support food and housingstability, health care needs, and other basic necessities.
On March 1, 2021, the Boston Globe released an article, calling Boston Prep the “blueprint” for reopening schools in Boston.
In June of 2022, Boston Prep welcomed a new Executive Director, Meekerley Sanon.
Boston Prep’s Charter is renewed for the fourth consecutive time.
As we look to the years ahead, we are committed to evolving with intention, ensuring that every student is prepared not only for college success but for lives of purpose and impact. We will continue to embrace challenges and innovation, expanding our reach and deepening our support to empower even more students to write their own legacies. Together, we are shaping a future where our students lead with integrity, curiosity, and a commitment to bettering their communities and the world.
Boston University
Bowdoin College
Bridgewater State University
Bunker Hill Community College
College of Mount Saint Vincent
Fisher College
Fitchburg State University
Framingham State University
Franklin Cummings Tech
Harvard University
Johnson and Wales University
Lasell University
Lesley University
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Massasoit Community College
Messina College at Boston College
Northeastern University
North Shore Community College
Occidental College
Rhode Island College
Roxbury Community College
UMass Amherst
UMass Boston
UMass Dartmouth
UMass Lowell
Worchester State University
Worchester Polytech Institute
Wentworth Institute of Technology
Our middle school dreams are finally coming true.”
-Richard I ‘24, Harvard University ’28 “
At Boston Prep, we see ourselves as an integrated middle school, high school, and alumni support system. Our work with students starts in sixth grade and extends through their college graduation, four years after they leave our building. As one cohesive unit, we work toward the shared goal of college success, where even a sixth-grade English class plays a crucial role in shaping a student's future. Our Grades 6-16 model is designed to provide intentional, integrated instruction across all grade levels, ensuring students gain the knowledge, skills, and habits necessary to thrive. Boston Prep’s Persistence Project continuously analyze student and alumni data to refine our approach, learning from their achievements and challenges.
By providing resources and support throughout their college journey, we help students focus on their education without the weight of financial strain. This holistic vision of growth ensures that every student leaves Boston Prep prepared to overcome challenges in college and beyond, with the financial freedom to succeed.
During the 2023-2024 School Year, our Persistence Project awarded alumni a total of $34,565, averaging $1,503 per student.
The Persistence Project is dedicated to supporting Boston Prep alumni on their path to college success. We provides a range of resources, including book stipends, emergency funding, credit recovery, and college trips and visits, all designed to ensure our students have the support they need to thrive.
665 ALUMNI89% of seniors in the Class of 2024 who applied to 2- or 4-year programs have matriculated this fall. 90% of the Class of 2024 completed the FAFSA funding to be eligible for federal, state, and school need-based aid.
marking a 14.5% increase in alumni from the 2023 school year.
Persistence funding is independent from the funding that supports our current middle school and high school students. This is why your support and generosity is so vital—it allows us to continue providing essential resources to every student and alum as they work toward success.
Boston Prep’s Portrait of a Graduate defines the essential skills, habits, and knowledge we aspire for all our students to develop, equipping them for a life filled with opportunity and choice. The core tenets—Tenacious Learner, Independent Thinker, Conscious Contributor, and Creative Problem Solver—serve as the foundation of this vision.
In June, Boston Prep juniors participated in their Junior Showcase, focusing on one of these tenets to demonstrate their understanding and growth. Now seniors, Betsy C '25, Jhanelle E '25, Saneiya W '25, and Dominic R '25 reflect on their Portrait of a Graduate projects and the ways in which they continue to embody these values.
Saneiya’s project focused on advocating for mandatory mental health education and resources in schools, rooted in the Tenacious Learner tenet of Boston Prep’s Portrait of a Graduate. By addressing this issue, Saneiya not only demonstrated tenacity in tackling a difficult, deeply personal topic but also called for systemic change to ensure students receive the emotional support they need.
“I chose Tenacious Learner because I feel like I’ve been through a lot of obstacles in my life. Instead of letting them weigh me down, I overcame them.”
Saneiya's research on the mental health challenges faced by high schoolers uncovered key data and statistics that bolstered her project. By combining this research with her own personal experiences, she created a compelling and impactful presentation.
Betsy explored the challenges faced by undocumented immigrants, focusing on the inability to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) and its profound impact on their lives, especially in terms of employment and access to benefits. Her project delves into the broader issue of anti-immigrant sentiment and systemic barriers.
As a Creative Problem Solver, Betsy tackled a complex social issue by identifying the deeper implications of the lack of a SSN and potential solutions through activism and policy change.
“I’m proud of this work because I was able to effectively do research on a topic that really interested me (...) It was a very complicated project that required a lot of time and energy, but it was worth it in the end.”
Dominic centered his project around the Independent Thinker tenant, expanding on his AP Language persuasive essay about love and loyalty. His work explored these complex themes while demonstrating a strong command of rhetorical appeals and strategic rhetorical choices. Dominic emphasized the importance of presenting ideas with clarity and confidence, showing growth in both his analytical and public speaking skills.
“It takes a lot to stand in front of an audience and project your voice with confidence. This work definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone.”
Jhanelle exemplified the Conscious Contributor tenant through her project, which showcased a piece of artwork that challenged her creative boundaries. Her goal was to create something deeply personal, drawing on her spiritual roots as a Haitian girl.
Jhanelle’s piece focused on the Voodoo lwa (god) Papa Legba, incorporating extensive research on Haitian religious practices. She also applied advanced painting techniques, such as shadowing, which helped her refine her artistic style.
This project not only allowed Jhanelle to grow as an artist but also provided a meaningful opportunity to explore and connect with her cultural heritage.
The Junior Showcase challenged students to harness their academic strengths by selecting a topic of personal interest, conducting in-depth research, and creating a compelling, thoughtful project. Students then presented their work to peers and teachers. This project combined academic rigor with Boston Prep's dedication to fostering ethical growth.
During the 2023-2024 school year, we proudly revived a cherished Boston Prep tradition—the international Junior Class Trip!
At Boston Prep, we believe that education goes beyond the classroom, cultivating both intellectual growth and the development of strong ethical values and personal skills. International travel offers a unique opportunity to blend rigorous academics with immersive cultural experiences, allowing students to explore new environments in a meaningful way.
Our first international trip took place in 2010, when students traveled to Rome. The success of that experience underscored the importance of global travel in our holistic approach to student development, supporting our mission to prepare students for college and life beyond.
Due to the pandemic, we paused our annual trips in 2020 as we adapted to the post-COVID world. However, last spring, we relaunched the program, offering students a transformative academic experience in Salamanca and Madrid, Spain.
“International travel is important so students know that America isn't the only place on earth. Travel broadens our perspectives and generates curiosity, thus causing us to become more open-minded and open to learning new things. My favorite part of the Spain trip was hanging out with my friends and exploring, eating the delicious food, and taking outfit pictures.” - Willson G’ 25
While in Spain, students participated in daily language lessons, practicing Spanish with native speakers. This immersive approach strengthened their language skills while boosting their confidence.
In addition to language learning, students took Flamenco dance classes, attended a session at Tía Tula, a renowned Spanish teaching college in Salamanca, explored historic architecture, and enjoyed the scenic views from El Huerto de Calixto y Melibea, among many other enriching experiences!
At Boston Prep, we're deeply committed to the development of the whole person, with ethics at the heart of our mission. We believe that ethical growth is essential to shaping well-rounded individuals, which is why we integrate ethics into every facet of our school experience—from our curriculum to extracurricular activities and our broader school culture. By fostering a strong moral foundation, we empower our students not only to excel academically but also to navigate the world with integrity and purpose.
Throughout their time at Boston Prep, students participate in Ethics classes that explore real-world issues, social-emotional well-being, and core ethical principles.
From clubs to sports, Boston Prep offers a range of activities designed to build teamwork, leadership, and spark creativity.
We invest in our students’ growth by helping cover tuition for select summer programs that offer life-changing experiences.
Previous summer enrichment programs include:
Yale Young Global Scholars
MIT MITES Summer
Boston University's RISE Internship
And when it comes to our graduates, let us not only acknowledge the academic achievements that adorn transcripts but also the personal growth, friendships forged, and memories cherished along the way. Boston Prep’s mission cites college and career, but also focuses on lifelong ethical growth. Thinking back throughout your high school careers and seeing you all sitting here now, I am proud to say that this ethical growth has been attained - in how you treat others, in how you see the world, and in how, I am sure, you will approach attaining the next piece of your puzzle when you take your next step.”
-Neissa
J ‘24, Bowdoin College ’28
Smith College: College Readiness Program
Northeastern University Young Scholars Program
Carnegie Mellon’s Pre-College Programs
Girls Who Code: Summer Immersion Program
Mayor's Office Summer Internship
The Harvard Pre-College Program
Summer Journalism Academy at Boston University
Artward Bound with MassArt
Artists for Humanity
Bentley's Wall Street 101
Brandeis Precollege Online Program
UML Liftoff
Summer@Brown
Giving to Boston Prep is an investment in the future of Boston's youth and their potential to create lasting change.
Your support helps us provide essential resources, guidance, and opportunities that empower students to excel academically, develop ethically, and become leaders in their communities.
“As a member of the board of trustees, I believe deeply in the mission and vision of our organization. I give because I want to lead by example and demonstrate my commitment to the cause we serve. My contributions not only help ensure the sustainability of our institution but also inspire others to do the same. Giving is about actively participating in the growth and success of our institution. I give because I believe in the power of education and the arts. I want to play a role in making a positive impact on the lives of the Boston Prep community, my community.
As a parent of a 2015 alum from Boston Prep, I’ve witnessed firsthand the impact of our institution’s education. I want to ensure that future generations of students have access to the same high- quality educational opportunities that benefited my own child.
By investing in its future, I am demonstrating my gratitude for the positive influence it had on my family. Through my contributions, I aim to help Boston Prep thrive and fulfill its mission of preparing students to succeed in four- year colleges and to embody lifelong ethical growth.”
-Amelia Cheers P ‘15, Board of Trustees
Scan the QR code or visit bostonprep.org/donate to show your support!
Thank you to everyone who supported Boston Prep and our mission throughout the 2023-2024 school year. Your generosity and continued commitment allows us to provide an education worthy of our students’ brilliance.
Angelina Brouce-Flounory
Shanda Browne
Maureen Bryan
Rick Burnes
Bruce & Patrice Buxton
Molly Frew & Brian Peterson
Bill Gallagher
Veronica Gentile & Adam Dobberfuhl
Justine Gillis
Christopher & Mary Beth Gordon
Bill Adams
Juliana Adolphe
Elmer Alvarez
Jennifer Ambro Anonymous (5)
Emmanuel Antoine
Andrew Apstein
Arimann Building Services, Inc.
Eugene Arthur
Laurie Bacon & Katherine Skrivan
Bain Capital Children's Charity
Lisa Bakstran
Morgan Bakstran
Carrie Baldwin
Barr Foundation
Luke Battle
Jesse Bayer Foundation
Support is for Boston Prep and the Preparatory Foundation, Inc. from July 1, 2023 - June 1, 2024. Please accept our apologies for any errors or omissions. -
Kathleen & Kevin Beatty
Jeremy & Sarah Benedict
Richard & Carla Benka
David & Lynn Berkley
Anne Marie Bernard
Ken Bettenhauser
Janemarie Blaine
Reilley Blue
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Meghan Blute-Nelson & Benjamin Nelson
Adam & Kim Borchert
Natalie Branch Lewis
Anabel Brighton
Kevin T. Callaghan
Matthew & Katie Cannan
Kaitlyn Carrigan
Linda Chadwick & Bill Byrn
Charles Hayden Foundation
Amelia Cheers
Citizens Bank
William & Kendall Clark
Clinton H. & Wilma T. Shattuck
Charitable Trust
The Clowes Fund
Kate Cohen
Chris & Kyle Cook
Mark Cornforth
Kevin & Claudia Cronin
Kevin & Tori Crossman
Thomas & Kara Crowley
Khadijah Curet
Kathryn Czerepak
Conor Dalton
Nekeya Dancy
Gary & Patricia Darman
Deloitte
Laura-Kay Demezieux
Jensen Denoyes
Ashley Depina
Briana Derivois
Emmeline & Michel Derivois
Laura Desmarais
Grace Dever
Gabriela Diller & Greg Henning
Carl DiMaiti
Kayla Dobay
Belinda Donohue
Tamar Dane Dor-Ner &
Dan Krocmalnic
Charles Farber
Flock Boston
Lilli Gordon
John & Anne Grandin
Grandin Family Foundation
Margaret Gregory
Garth & Lindsay Greimann
Jill & Jerry Grieveson
Grossman Family
Charitable Foundation
Michael & Abby Grossman
Priscilla Guerrero
Gabrielle Hairston
Jessica Halpern
The Hamilton Company
Charitable Foundation
Isabel Hardy
Jeffrey & Christa Hawkins
Jason He
Marquisse Henry
Arthur & Eloise Hodges
Holden Hodgson
Thomas Holden
HR Knowledge
Thomas & Rachel Huff
Insource Services, Inc.
Richie Iskra
David & Sarah James
Jude & Mary Jason
Stephen Jeffries
Lucinda Jewell
Pliny Jewell IV
Jennifer Jewell
Lily Jewell
Anna Jewell
Sabrina Jewell
Ray and Lori Jimenez
Joshua & Marian Johnson
Karen Johnston
Bryant Weinberg Jones
Brenda Jones
Thomas Julius
Krishna & Rana Kannan
Andrew & Tamara Kaplan
Elea Kemler & Alan Hurvitz
Kirkland & Ellis
Julia Kopelman
Tina Kopelman
Nola Kopfer
KPMG
Krokidas & Bluestein
Berry Kurland
Julie Lane & Matthew Kane
Andrew Lau & Elsie Huang
Jacqueline Lawrence
Lawrence & Lillian Solomon Fund
Mark Leary
Casey Leonetti
Liberty Mutual Foundation
Vanessa Lipschitz
Lloyd A. Fry Foundation
Local Motion of Boston
Longfield Family Foundation
Eileen Looney
Bobby Looney
Samantha Lozzi
Amie Luna
Brian & Alison Mackey
Gary Madison & Martha Ahrens
Kit Maloney
Ellen Maloney
Tyler & Sarah Martin
May and Walt Family Fund
Kathryn Greenberg Mayshak
Dan McCarthy
Scott McCue & Kate Murray
Nancy McDermott
Chris McKown & Abigail Johnson
Dan McNulty
Preston & Susan McSwain
MFS Investment Management
Laura Mendez
Christopher Metli
Isaacson Michel
Mitsubishi UFG
Jessica Moore
Pivel Morton
Frannie Moyer
John Munson &Vivian Perez
John Murphy
Georgia Murray & Mark Maloney
Pam Murray & Jay MacLaughlin
Michael Muti
Madeleine Mutscheller
Amale Neary
Tara Neary
Zachary Neary
Nadia Nejaime
Network For Good
Claire Newton & Ted Maloney
Harry & Susan Newton
Michael Newton
Nike
Andrew Noble
Matthew O'Keefe
Connor O'Keefe
Tamara Olsen
Carolyn Osteen
Tiana Owens
Adebayo Owolewa
Elizabeth Paley
Tim & Lynne Palmer
Paul and Edith Babson Foundation
Esther Park
Jock Payten
Donald & Pamela Peterson
Anders & Anna Peterson
Sally Peterson & John Stone
Jay McDermott & Julia Pope
Tara & Andrew Quatrale
PWC
Rob Rametti
Ashlee Reed & Michaela Crowley
Ema Reid
Nicol Riley
Jovinson Ripert
Lisa Rodrigues
Ropes & Gray, LLP
Noah Rosenbaum & Michelle Vidal
Karin Rosenthal
April Rowell
Paul Russell
David Russell
Mary Ryan
Elka Sachs
Benjamin Sacks
Kai Sakstrup
Carolyn Frank Sax
Scott Seider
Karan Sharma
Sherbrooke Family Foundation
Vanessa Shiu
Peter Shively
Shoreline Aviation
Eric Silverman
Callie Slocum
JuDana Smith
Tom & Beth Sorbo
Brian Spector
Studio G Architects
Susan A. & Donald P. Babson
Charitable Foundation
Elaine & Sal Tagliareni
Melissa Tansey
Carol Taylor & John Deknatel
Mike Thomas
Jon Timmons
Michael Tonelli & Nicole Barsalona
Lucie Torrey
Michael Torrisi
Deon Tribbett
Uncle Larry's Fund
United Way
Manny Valmir
Benito Vernet & Roseline Vernet
Kirk & Jacqueline Weaver
Sam Weil
Wellington Management Company, LLP Charitable Fund
Dave & Jennifer Wolff
Barney & Erica Wolff
Jim Wood
Kayron & Mindy Wright
Taylor Wrubel
Katelyn Yorra
Don Zambarano
Erica & Jeff Zieba
Hans & Ann Ziegler
Zachary Zirpolo
Dave Berkley, Trustee Teacher, Boston Prep
Kimberly Borchert, Chair
Natalie Branch-Lewis, Trustee
Senior Real Estate Accounting Manager, 2LifeCommunities
Amelia Cheers, Trustee
Residential Program Director, Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services
Priscilla Guerrero, Trustee
Assitant Attorney General, Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia
Sarah James, Trustee
Assistant Professor, Gonzaga University
Josh Johnson, Trustee
Managing Director, Berkshire Partners
Bryant Weinberg Jones, Trustee Owner/Principal, Barus Hall Advising
Andrew Kaplan, Vice Chair Partner, Bain Capital
Vanessa Lipschitz, Trustee Director of Education, One8 Foundation
Claire Newton, Trustee Consultant
Jovinson Ripert, Trustee Associate, Bechtel Enterprises
Arivee Vargas, Secretary Head of Global Assurance and Anti-Corruption Pogram, Vertex Pharmaceuticals
David Wolff, Trustee
Psychologist, Boston Prep
Jeremy Benedict, Director
Chief People Officer, Access Information Management
Bruce E. Buxton, Director
Former Headmaster, Falmouth Academy
Bill Clark, President
Senior Managing Director of Leadership Giving, Dartmouth College
Tamar Dor-Ner, Director Principal, Bain Capital
John L. Grandin, Director
Fundraising Consultant
Scott McCue, Director Regional Director, Mass Audubon
Preston D. McSwain, Director
Managing Partner and Founder, Fiduciary Wealth Partners
Tamara Olsen
Executive Vice President of Practice and Knowledge Delivery, Bain & Company
Carolyn Osteen, Director
Retired Partner, Ropes and Gray LLP
Tom Sorbo, Director
Adjunct Professor, Providence College
Carol M. Taylor, Clerk President, cmt Associates
Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate 20 Years of the Phoenix during the 2023 Toast! The evening encapsulated how, for twenty years, Boston Prep has prepared students to succeed in four-year colleges and to embody, in thought and action, lifelong ethical growth.
Thank you to the 2024 Toast Committee - Kim Borchert, Amelia Cheers, Jessica Dawn, Juan DeJesus, Tori Crossman, Priscilla Guerrero, Tom Huff, Lily Jewell, Andrew Kaplan, Ted Maloney, Anders Peterson, Jovison Ripert, David Russell, Meekerley Sano, and Steve Swiech.
Andrew & Tamara Kaplan
Kim & Adam Borchert
Tamara Olsen
Claire Newton & Ted Maloney
Elizabeth Paley
Donald & Pam Peterson
Blue Cross Blue Shield
HR Knowledge
Insource Services, Inc.
Arimann Building Services
Mitsubishi Financial Group
Shoreline Aviation