Community Service
In line with the school’s mission to foster responsible citizenship, the Upper School Community Service Program is designed to promote active and responsible participation in our democratic society. As such service activities take place within and between the campuses on an ongoing basis. Twice a year, the entire Upper School takes a day to give back to the broader community. Through their Advisory groups, students plan, organize, and implement community service projects that cater to their interests. Service sites in recent years included:
- East End House
- Boston Rescue Mission
- Pine Street Inn
- Boston Nature Center
- AIDS Action Committee
- Franklin Park Zoo
- Somerville Parks Department
- Community Field Farm
- Revision Urban Farm
- Rosie’s Place
- PHA Middle School
- PHA Lower School
- Charles River Conservancy
- City of Somerville Highway Department
In addition, all Upper School students are obligated to fulfill a service requirement as part of their progress toward graduation. Students are required to complete 60 hours of community service to be eligible for graduation. Each student is required to complete 15 hours of community service each year (Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior years) and to reflect upon that experience as well as on those that he or she has on community service day. Students entering Prospect Hill Academy in the 10th grade will be required to complete 45 hours of community service. Students who opt to graduate a year prior to their expected graduation date will be excused from completing their final 15 hours of community service.
Finally, students who participate in the Junior Journey have the opportunity to participate in community service projects over a period of three weeks in Guatemala, building relationships with organizations and often making a lasting impact through individual Personal Growth Projects.
If you or your organization can provide meaningful community service learning opportunities for our students, please contact us at 617-284-7920.
