My son is a living testament to the transformative power of The Community Academy of Science and Health (CASH) located at 11 Charles St, Dorchester, MA 02122.

When he first joined CASH, he was struggling to advocate for himself, struggling in all academic subjects, and was only expected to receive a certificate of attendance. However, thanks to CASH's dedication and detailed attention to each student's needs, he now thrives. CASH's commitment to individualized educational plans and genuine support has turned my son's academic journey around. Today, he has successfully passed the MCAS, and he is on the cusp of earning his high school diploma.

For families like mine, CASH represents more than a school; it is a beacon of hope and a pathway to success. The recent proposal by Boston Public Schools (BPS) to close CASH as part of their SY25-26 Long-Term Facilities Plan Recommendations is devastating not just for my family, but for countless others who rely on CASH's unique, student-centered approach, with small classes and incredible supportive staff.

CASH has shown undeniable results not just in my son's life, but in many others. According to a report by the Boston Globe, such specialized schools have seen increased graduation rates of up to 15% compared to traditional institutions. The personalized attention and customized curriculum at CASH enables students from challenging backgrounds to overcome obstacles, build resilience, and reach their potential—a vital opportunity that should not be discarded in favor of generic solutions, that tend to leave the underserved community of children with or without developmental issues behind; that thrive in a smaller, more focused learning environment.

Moreover, diverse communities are at risk. Closing CASH would disproportionately impact minority students and families who have already faced numerous hurdles. According to the Boston Education Equity Partnership, minority students in Boston are already 1.5 times more likely to be underserved in large, traditional schools.

Instead of closing CASH, let's focus on replication and support. By expanding CASH's successful model, BPS can enhance the educational landscape for more students across the city. We need BPS to stop the closure proposal and consider alternative solutions that preserve the specialized and effective education CASH provides.

What's sad is the Boston School committee plans to close the Community Academy of Science and Health to create a diploma-granting school at the end of SY25-26 (end of next school year) they describe as a re-imagined supportive placement for students who violate the BPS code of conduct and transition program for students needing additional Academic and SEL supports (ex. transitioning from DYS, hospitalization, etc).

I urge you to join me in this fight to save a school that changes lives every day. It’s not just about my son—it's about the future of countless students who need the nurturing and individualized education CASH offers with focused learning and small classes.

Sign this petition to voice your opposition to the closure and advocate for maintaining CASH as a cornerstone of innovative education in Boston.

Please sign and share this petition to ensure that CASH continues to uplift students and produce success stories for years to come. Your support can make a difference.