EARLY COLLEGE

Fontbonne’s emphasis on Early College does not change its accreditation status. Fontbonne remains an accredited high school. Additionally, we will continue to field competitive Athletics teams in the MIAA, facilitate a best-in-class Performing Arts program, and support numerous and very diverse co-curriculars.

While we have launched our Early College Programming, there will always be ongoing enhancements to our curriculum, pedagogy, culture and students life experience that will span across grades. In the Fall of 2021, we will welcome our first class of 7th graders who will benefit from the Early College experience and all the great work currently underway as we grow our early college curriculum, programs and partnerships.  

No, it does not. Fontbonne continues to hold its students to the highest academic standards and expectations. Fontbonne continues to expertly support students with diverse learning interests and abilities. This is fundamental to our Mission.

While we anticipate School Year 2021-2022 to be the first year of implementation, this is not like flicking a light switch when you enter a room. There will be ongoing enhancements to our curriculum, pedagogy, culture, and student life experience month to month, semester to semester, and year to year. Continuing with our ‘light switch’ metaphor, imagine this implementation cycle as a dimmer (instead of a switch) where we are gradually brightening the light. Additionally, some elements of our planning might crystalize earlier than expected. As such, we may find ourselves ahead of schedule. Finally, because we are currently recruiting 8th Graders who will benefit from the Early College experience should they choose Fontbonne, we feel it our obligation to be transparent with these girls and their families. (Note: plus, we’re really, really excited and proud.)
 

There are three parts to answering this question. First and very importantly, Fontbonne is a mission of not just the Sisters of St. Joseph, but of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston. We are of Boston. It is part of our school’s legacy. Second, when we travel outside Massachusetts and people ask us where we work, we refer to Fontbonne as being part of Boston. “I work at Fontbonne in Boston.” We say this because it is the most proximate major city, with Boston neighborhoods bordering Milton. Finally, we associate ourselves with the strengths of the City of Boston, and would like Boston families to know that they can and should consider us a choice for your daughters.

No. We are not legally changing our school name. We are also not changing our seal. That is worth repeating - we are not changing our school seal. Instead, we are removing the word “Academy” from public-facing applications like signage, our website, and business cards and stationery. When students, parents, alumnae, teachers, and staff talk about our school, they refer to it as “Fontbonne”. They very, very rarely include the word “Academy” when talking about the school. Given our long history, that’s not a surprise. Generations of students and alumnae have humbly earned us the right to go by this one-word name.

No. Diplomas will not include the category description “Early College”. Fontbonne Academy is not changing its name. Every student enrolled in Fontbonne today will receive the same diploma upon graduation as each senior received when she graduated in 2018.

What we mean at Fontbonne by “transferable college credit” is this - your daughter will take classes at Fontbonne that a college recognizes for college credit. These classes are part of Fontbonne’s curriculum. In fact, our college partner(s) will provide her with a formal transcript that memorializes she has earned these credits. Furthermore, a number of colleges may also recognize these credits.We currently offer dual enrollment opportunities with Regis College and Stonehill College.