Special to the Times-Free Press
Bradley Elementary School educators, staff, and students led by Principal Claire Carney (center, left) and Instructional Coach McKenzie Powers (center, right), celebrate winning the EdVestors School on the Move Prize.
EdVestors, a Boston-based school improvement organization, today awarded its $100,000 School on the Move Prize to East Boston’s Bradley Elementary School. The surprise announcement took place during a ceremony at Fenway Park with more than 300 community leaders, students, educators, and supporters in attendance. The Prize, now in its 20th year, recognizes the schools, leaders, and teachers who create and continuously improve learning environments where all students can thrive.
“Each of this year’s School on the Move finalists represents a bright spot in Boston’s public schools,” said Marinell Rousmaniere, President and CEO of EdVestors. “Their progress is the result of dedicated educators, engaged families, and brilliant students who show up every day ready to learn. We are thrilled to celebrate Bradley Elementary School as this year’s School on the Move winner, and we extend our deep admiration to the finalists for their remarkable efforts to ensure every student is known, supported, and inspired to thrive.”
Bradley Elementary School in East Boston serves over 300 students. The Bradley’s improvement has focused on implementing high-impact instructional strategies, fostering teacher collaboration, and cultivating an inclusive, welcoming environment. Over the past five years, Bradley has also transformed its approach to instruction for English learners and students with disabilities, resulting in academic gains across all areas. In 2025, the Bradley made 81 percent cumulative progress toward accountability targets, with the strongest growth and achievement in math, outpacing the district’s average progress toward accountability targets by over 30 percentage points.
Each year, EdVestors compiles the stories and data from each finalist school to identify effective practices that can be adapted and scaled across Boston Public Schools.
Mayor Michelle Wu joined the celebration to celebrate each of the school communities.
“Boston’s public schools are filled with brilliance, dedication, and possibility, and today’s School on the Move finalists show what it looks like when a school community works together to help every student thrive,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I’m grateful to EdVestors for recognizing the Bradley Elementary School as this year’s School on the Move Prize winner, and we applaud all of the finalists for their leadership and continued progress. Their work is strengthening our city and opening doors of opportunity for students across Boston.”
Bradley Elementary will receive $80,000 in cash, with $20,000 designated toward best practice research. Fellow finalist schools –Dante Alighieri Montessori School (East Boston) and UP Academy Dorchester –will receive a $20,000 award, double the usual runner-up prize, thanks to a generous anonymous donor.
“Congratulations to the entire Bradley Elementary School community on this recognition! The Bradley exemplifies our district priorities every day and uses every minute of the day to drive academic outcomes in a caring and loving school,” said Boston Public Schools Superintendent Mary Skipper. “It takes a village to help every student thrive, and the schools recognized today are powerful examples of that shared effort. When educators, school leaders, families, and students come together with a deep commitment to learning and growth, our communities are stronger for it. Each finalist has demonstrated what’s possible through collaboration, high expectations, and a belief in every student’s potential. I want to congratulate the Bradley on being named this year’s School on the Move winner and thank all of our finalists for inspiring us all.”
The School on the Move Prize is made possible by generous support of the presenting sponsor – the James M. & Cathleen D. Stone Foundation – along with other 2025 generous sponsors: National University Harmony Academy, Charlotte Foundation, Fidelity Investments, National Grid, Nellie Mae Education Foundation, Plymouth Rock Assurance Foundation, EY, Eastern Bank Foundation, Fiduciary Trust, Liberty Mutual Insurance, Parker Family Foundation, Simon Brothers Family Foundation, State Street, Vertex, Christine and David Letts, Goldman Sachs, Insource Services, Seaport by WS Development, Bauer Family, Loomis Sayles, Modera Wealth Management, New England Patriots Foundation, Rockland Trust Bank, Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation, Delta, HMH, Microsoft, and Red Sox Foundation among other generous corporations, foundations, and individuals.
EdVestors’ mission is to advance equitable, meaningful education that prepares every Boston student to activate their power and shape their future. EdVestors serves as a: Connector that partners with the district, schools, community-based organizations, higher education, and philanthropy to advance efforts in issue areas that are a priority for schools and students; Catalyst for systems change in Boston, creating pathways from classroom to career, ensuring access to arts education, improving math teaching and learning, and seeding racial equity efforts in schools; Champion that shines a light on educators and schools that create and continuously improve learning environments where all students thrive.