Steppingstone Academy educational access program is a family affair

As students pour back into the halls of Boston schools for the new academic year, they aren’t the only ones worrying about their next English essay or the upcoming math quiz. Parents and family members are also concerned with their students’ success in the immediate future and down the road. Some parents have realized they don’t have to do it alone and have applied to The Steppingstone Academy, a free program that prepares Boston schoolchildren for success at Boston’s top public exam schools and independent schools and, ultimately, college.

“We had never experienced the level of support that Steppingstone provided,” said Shanna Masdea, sister of Steppingstone Scholar CJ Masdea. “The Steppingstone staff streamlines the process for families and makes a real connection with the student and the family.”

CJ is a graduate of Steppingstone Academy’s 14-month, out-of-school time academic preparation component, where he learned Latin, improved in math, honed his study skills and wrote research papers. Steppingstone did not just help CJ get into Boston University Academy, where he is enrolled as a ninth grader; the academy’s staff is committed to supporting him and his family all the way through high school.

Over 120 Steppingstone Scholars can count on that support as they transition this fall into middle or high school at places like Boston Latin School, Boston Latin Academy, The Park School or Thayer Academy. Their Steppingstone advisors visit them at school, cheer them on at sporting events and applaud them in school plays.

“Our goal is to help students get to college,” said Steppingstone president and co-founder Michael Danziger. “We don’t just prepare students to gain admission to top public exam and independent schools and then say ‘Good luck;’ we follow them for up to seven years to make sure they have all the support they need to make it to college.”

With a 95 percent college attendance rate among Steppingstone Scholars who have graduated from high school so far, the program has delivered on its promises since 1990.

Each winter, fourth-, fifth- and seventh-grade Boston students may apply to The Steppingstone Academy. Steppingstone looks for hardworking students with a passion for learning and a desire to be challenged. The program is a significant commitment for students and their families, who make sure students get to classes every day for six weeks for two summers, and on Saturday mornings and after school during one school year.

However, the hard work pays off. Shanna Masdea has seen firsthand the benefits of participating in Steppingstone for CJ and for their family as a whole.
“CJ has learned a lot about responsibility, organization and how to take ownership of his schoolwork,” she said.

Angela Prince, mother of two Steppingstone Scholars, agrees.

“It was a challenge to juggle family life, school work and extracurricular activities during my children’s involvement in the program, but Steppingstone is well worth the huge family commitment,” said Prince. “During this time, we learned a lot about the importance of study skills and prioritizing.”

Students and families who would like to know more about Steppingstone may call 617-423-6300 for more information. Family Information Meetings, where families can learn more about the program, will be held throughout the fall and winter.