We are happy to announce that The Benjamin Banneker Charter Public School has been designated an Exemplary High Performing National Blue Ribbon School for 2023 by U.S. Secretary of Education, Miguel Cardona.
The Benjamin Banneker Charter Public School
About Us
The Benjamin Banneker Charter Public School (Banneker) has been educating students in Cambridge and the Greater Boston area since 1996. The school was the inspiration of a coalition of community leaders, parents, and educators who were concerned by the underachievement of minority, low-income and disenfranchised students in Cambridge Public Schools. The Banneker was named in honor of the self-taught 18th century African-American mathematician, scientist, astronomer and inventor, Benjamin Banneker. On September 15, 2023, the Banneker received the National Blue Ribbon Award from the US Department of Education for the school’s exemplary high performance.
Quick Facts:
Year Started: 1996
Grades Served: K1-6
Number of Students: 350
Subject Taught: STEM Curriculum
Arts Education: Visual & Performing
School Type: Public Charter (Title 1)
Although Banneker is one of the highest performing elementary schools in Massachusetts, high achievement on standardized tests like the MCAS is not the only goal. Rather, Banneker’s ultimate goal is to nurture lifelong learners who understand themselves and their place in the world around them. In addition to providing our students with a rigorous standards-based curriculum focused on the Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM) subjects, our students enjoy a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities such as visual and performing arts, numerous field trips and outdoor experiences including skiing, camping, canoeing and horseback riding. We are deeply committed to creating an environment in which learning is fun and joyful – an environment in which children come to see themselves as readers, writers, mathematicians, scientists, artists, and critical thinkers.
Our community’s success is also built on the strength of our relationships. We strive to ensure that every Banneker student feels known, seen and heard; that every student can name at least one adult other than his or her classroom teacher who they deeply trust. Without the foundation of these strong relationships, the unrelenting focus on academic mastery and commitment to meeting the non-academic needs of all students, our sustained high achievement would not be possible.
The Banneker has come a very long way in its mission of ensuring that Black and Brown students overcome the stubborn and systemic barriers to success. With the unwavering support of our Board of Directors, the passion and dedication of our staff, along with the strength of our parent partnerships, the Banneker community remains steadfast in its commitment to keeping the spirit of Benjamin Banneker burning brightly within the soul of every student.
