Our mission is to empower urban students of all racial and ethnic backgrounds to achieve their full intellectual and social potential by combining the best of the East - high standards, discipline and character education with the best of the West - a commitment to individualism, creativity and diversity.

When asked why we chose this name for our school, we always refer to our mission statement. We set ambitious goals for academic and personal development and get there by using best practices from Pacific Rim and Western cultures.

The Academy was chartered in 1995 and opened its doors in 1997 with the purpose of offering an alternative to the middle and high schools existing in Boston. We believe that students and families can thrive in a strong school culture that emphasizes character education and high academic standards for all students, not just the privileged or exceptionally talented.

Our students come from all of Boston's neighborhoods and reflect the demographics and diversity of our city. As a charter public school we do not choose our students. We do, however, choose and create our own culture. The standard handshakes throughout each day, daily cleaning responsibilities, and rewards for effort and perseverance are a few of the rituals and routines ensuring that each member of our community feels the strong walls of respect and care that we have built.
We began with only 100 students in grades 6 and 7 and in year 11 we have more than 100 alumni and are preparing to serve 475 students in grades 5-12 by next fall! The success of our students is due to the efforts of students, families, parents, guardians, staff and board members working hard together to prepare all students for success in college and beyond.