Each teacher has an average class load of only 80 students, two subject preparations, and their own classroom. Each teacher is given a two-hour planning break during the day, and teachers of related subjects have common free periods, so they can carefully plan appropriate interdisciplinary work. This is what professionals in the private sector have come to expect. The South Boston Harbor Academy does no less. At the heart of the school is a commitment that the building is a place of learning.
Students wear navy blue shirts and khaki pants and are well-kept and neatly presented.
Constant references are made regarding the absolute value of a college education, even in the 5th grade. Unruly students are removed promptly from class so others are not disrupted. All students are held to the same high academic and behavioral standards, and are provided with extra academic support when needed. The extensive support network includes regular meetings with the school's Director of Student Support, periodic assessment of students seemingly at risk, and Tuesday whole-school meetings of Teacher Advisory Groups to further ensure that there is at least one faculty member in the school keeping tabs on each student. Furthermore, following a spring assessment, students who scored below the 40th percentile in reading were asked to attend a summer enrichment session, in order to provide them with important individualized help.