Saugus charter school awarded national distinction

SAUGUS — The U.S. The Department of Education has named a Saugus charter school a National Blue Ribbon School.
The Pioneer Charter School of Science II was awarded the title on Friday. It signifies high overall academic performance and progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.
While the department awarded 297 schools across the country the same distinction, the Saugus charter school is one of only four in Massachusetts to receive the recognition. The other three are Edith C. Baker Elementary School and Mount Alvernia Academy in Chestnut Hill and Luther Conant School in Acton. National Blue Ribbon Schools serve as models of effective school practices for educators throughout the country. Recognized schools are awarded a National Blue Ribbon School flag to fly at their entryways, symbolizing exemplary teaching and learning.
“I applaud all the honorees for the 2022 National Blue Ribbon Schools Award for creating vibrant, welcoming, and affirming school communities where students can learn, grow, reach their potential, and achieve their dreams,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “As our country continues to recover from the pandemic, we know that our future will only be as strong as the education we provide to all of our children. Blue Ribbon Schools have gone above and beyond to keep students healthy and safe while meeting their academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs. These schools show what is possible to make an enduring, positive difference in students’ lives.”
The title is awarded based on several criteria including test scores, graduation rates, and the size of student achievement gaps. Pioneer Charter School of Science II, or PCSS II, is a rigorous college preparatory school with a mission to prepare educationally under-resourced students for today’s competitive world.
PCSS II graduated 100 percent of its 2022 class, some going on to attend top universities such as UC Berkeley, MIT and Georgetown. Seventy-six percent of the school’s students are minority, while 66 percent have high needs, 50 percent are low-income, 12 percent are English Language Learners, and 12 percent have special needs.
“Our team of students, teachers and families work extremely hard all year round, and it’s gratifying to see their commitment recognized in this way,” PCSS II Executive Director Vahit Sevinc said. “We are proud to be accomplishing our mission to prepare our students for higher education and career success.”