The Investment

... Over a three-year period, eight different private investors recruited and coordinated by EdVestors have invested a total of $140,000 in a school-driven improvement initiative at this regular district middle school in Charlestown.

... At the time of the initial investment, the Edwards was one of the lowest-performing district middle schools, particularly in math. A new school leader and core group of teachers were committed to turning this around - but required additional flexible capital to do so.

... A snapshot of the investors: six individual donors, one giving circle, and a foundation. For most, this was their first investment in urban schools in general, or their first in a Boston Public School. All have continued investing in the Edwards and invested in other urban school initiatives vetted by EdVestors.

The Results

... Over the first three years of the Edwards Math Initiative, the number of 8th graders passing the MCAS in math tripled - from 17% passing (2002) to 55% passing (2005), with the number of students scoring as Advanced or Proficient also increasing from 3% to 19%. Now the school is focused on raising all students to Advanced and Proficient status.

... The Edwards improved math instruction by deepening its in-school professional development, developing and maintaining a math teacher leadership team, and increasing time-on-task for students.

... Private investment through EdVestors combined with the school's own budget allocations to fill in the gaps and accelerate the school's efforts.

... Several EdVestors investors helped to create an Advisory Board to provide ongoing support and coaching to the Principal, as well as outreach to additional funding sources and community partners.

... The Edwards is now widely-viewed by district leaders as a model for school turn-around efforts and has become a popular training and placement site for aspiring teachers.