An exceptional school serving
Dorchester.
Snapshot
UP Academy Dorchester
Grades K-8 | 600+ students
Serving the Bowdoin-Geneva community of Boston since 2013, UP Academy Dorchester is a top-rated school offering rigorous academics, holistic social-emotional learning, and hands-on, experiential learning for students in grades K1-8. UP Academy Dorchester is an award-winning school, providing an exceptional student experience close to home.
Named a 2026 Future Forward School, nationally recognized for our exceptional career-connected learning program.
Selected as one of three finalists for the 2025 School on the Move Prize, recognizing schools that have made outstanding gains for students. Watch the video.
At UP Academy Dorchester, your child will:
Be challenged and supported by teachers who help them master grade-level learning while building confidence
Be part of a state championship-level athletics program, including basketball, football, cheer and more.
Experience hands-on engaging STEM experiences and career exploration
Be supported step-by-step through the high school application process to find a high school that’s the right fit
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At UP Dorchester, we are committed to supporting English Language Learners (ELLs) through high-quality programming designed to help students develop strong English communication skills while achieving academic success. Our English Language services provide targeted instruction, language development support, and culturally responsive learning experiences that empower multilingual learners to thrive in the classroom and beyond. Through collaboration between classroom teachers, ESL specialists, and families, we ensure that students receive the individualized support they need to build confidence, strengthen literacy skills, and fully engage in their education.
SCHOOL HOURS
Monday – Friday
7:15am – 2:10pm
Arrival from 7:15 AM - 7:35 AM.
Doors open at 7:15 AM for breakfast.
CONTACT & LEADERSHIP
35 Westville Street, Dorchester, MA 02124
P. (617) 635-8810
Fax. (617) 635-8815
info@upacademydorchester.org
School Principal. Michaela Power
HELPFUL LINKS
A decade ago, UP Academy Dorchester was a school facing real challenges. Today, working alongside UP Education Network, it’s an award-winning school where students are thriving, growing faster than their peers across the state, and exploring the careers they’re excited about.
Watch how a Dorchester school community made it happen.
The UAD Story
Now accepting applications for the 2027-2028 school year!
UP Academy Dorchester is a tuition-free, public school open to Boston scholars in grades K-8. Enrollment requires a special application which is then placed into a lottery system. No test scores, grades, recommendations, or history will be taken into consideration.
We are now accepting seats in grade K1 through 8th grade for the 2027-2028 school year! The application deadline is Friday, February 26th by 4pm and an enrollment lottery will be held on Thursday, March 4th.
Application Types
While many find our online application to be the simplest way to apply, we understand that some families prefer alternative methods. We offer many convenient applications to our UP Academy Dorchester campus.
Mail. Mail your completed application to UP Academy Dorchester, located at 35 Westville Street, Dorchester, MA 02124.
In-person: Drop-off your completed application in person at the UP Academy Dorchester main office.
Email. Scan your completed application and email the file to enrollment@upacademydorchester.org.
Fax. Fax your completed application to 617-635-8815.
Online: Fill out your application online at https://upacademy.schoolmint.net/signup
2027-2028 School Year
Paper Applications
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Spanish & English
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Haitian Creole
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Cape Verdean Creole
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Vietnamese
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Chinese
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Portuguese
Calendar
Visit our network calendar page to see a list of school & and network-wide events.
UP Academy Dorchester
Board of Trustees
UP Academy Dorchester is a Horace Mann charter school and is governed by the UP Academy Dorchester Board of Trustees.
Members
Amar Kumar, Board Chair & Governance Committee Chair, Founder & CEO, KaiPod Learning
Matt Lesniak, Finance Chair/Treasurer, Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Wayfair
Aisha Miller, Secretary, Vice President, Related Beal
Rishi Shukla, Co-Founder and CEO, KyoTac
Lana Ewing, Executive Director, Maine Charter School Commission
Ali Huberlie, Partner/Principal, Ernst & Young LLP
Christopher Byrnes, CFO, Boston Ballet
Kelly Amado, Program Coordinator, Brigham and Women’s Hospital