City and state officials along with Boston Mayor Michelle Wu (seated center), and BPS superintendent Mary Skipper (center right), pose for a photo with BATA staff. Photo: Kendall Buhl/WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Mayor Michelle Wu, along with city and state officials celebrated the grand opening of a new alternative school in East Boston on Friday.
The Boston Adult Technical Academy or BATA, started as a night school in 1999. Now it’s a complete high school for high caliber students aged 18-22 and has a second location.
Boston Public Schools Superintendent Mary Skipper said that for immigrant students, BATA allows them to “get career experience, to be able to learn English, and to really be able to move forward as part of our city.”
Read More: Lowell City Officials Speak Out On Issues At Lowell High School’s New Gym
Mayor Wu noted in her remarks that when it comes to immigrant students, teachers at BATA have a role that goes beyond the classroom.
“[They help them] figure out housing challenges, figure out family situations, helping [to] support all the various things that happen throughout someone’s life,” said Wu.
According to Boston Public Schools’ website, BATA’s unique academic program encompasses a curriculum in English language arts, math, science, and the humanities.
BATA also offers students the option to simultaneously enroll in community college classes, and the ability to participate in a career exploration program.
BATA’s East Boston campus plans to serve 50 students in 2025 with enrollment expected to reach 150 students by 2026.
WBZ NewsRadio’s Kendall Buhl (@WBZKendall) reports.