The East Somerville Community School (ESCS) is a diverse school in an ethnically rich neighborhood. ESCS lives its motto, "Every Student Can Succeed," by preparing students to achieve at high levels in their next stage of education, while applying the skills of life-long learning. The dedicated staff members provide regular education and special education services through a team approach, which combines high quality, challenging classroom instruction with academic support. ESCS offers the best qualities of a large school with a welcoming and respectful atmosphere that makes each student feel valued and part of a community.

Literacy development as a foundation for lifelong success is one of the pillars of the success of the ESCS. It is the only school in Somerville to receive a federal Reading First grant, and the school was rewarded for its excellence in reading achievement with a $425,000 incentive grant from the federal Department of Education. This grant is bringing all students to grade level in reading by Grade 3 through a combination of professional development for staff and assessment and special support services for students. The ESCS was recognized for its achievement in foundational literacy development in 2007 with a $425,000 incentive grant from the federal Department of Education, one of only two schools in the Commonwealth to receive this reward.

Students learn best when they can apply their knowledge through hands-on projects. Named a Creative School in 2008 by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, students at ESCS are working with local muralist David Fichter to translate local history into a mural which will be installed on an exterior wall of the School. The ESCS also makes good use of available green space through a partnership with Groundwork Somerville which provides youth with hands-on science and health instruction through schoolyard gardening. In addition, the School extends learning opportunities through before- and afterschool clubs for all grade levels that provide homework time, academic support, and enrichment. Community Schools runs an afterschool, fee-for-service day-care program for Grade K-5 students that provides safe, developmentally appropriate enrichment activities until 5:30 PM.

The ESCS is a partnership of parents, teachers, students, and community members.

Want a peek inside the East Somerville Community School? Watch this welcome video featuring Principal Dr. Holly Hatch.

• Building a culture of achievement as an international demonstration site for the Quaglia Institute for Student Aspirations.
• Social-emotional curriculum, Second Step, for all students in Grades K-6
• Library/media center open extended morning and afternoon hours for independent reading, research and class work
• Nationally recognized for the Reading achievement of students in grades K-3
• Reading Buddies program pairs grade 8 students with younger students to read together
• Homework centers before school help students with their homework
• A partnership with Groundwork Somerville supports an on-site school garden for science and health instruction.
• Artist-in-Residence, Muralist David Fichter, funded by the Massachusetts Cultural Council to collaborate with staff, students and the community to create an outdoor mural for the new school

The East Somerville Community School regularly reports demographic and student progress data to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). This data is used to develop the annual progress report card for the East Somerville Community School. The most current Report Card for East Somerville Community School can be found online using this link.