bright bold next campaign
ensuring that we remain at the forefront of excellence in education
Innovation is a defining value at BB&N, grounded in our history and shaping our path forward. Our new “Five Elements for Continuous Improvement” initiative is guiding a unified B–12 approach to curriculum and instruction, helping us align practices and prioritize growth.
Faculty also benefit from professional development programs like the BB&N Leadership Institute and Talking and Listening Opportunities, which foster collaboration and reflective practice.
Whether through student-led history symposiums, interdisciplinary maker projects, or conferences on AI in education, BB&N continues to lead with curiosity and courage. These efforts ensure that innovation is not just supported, but embedded into our culture — equipping our community to thrive in a changing world.
| INNOVATION GRANTS | VISITING INNOVATORS | EDUCATOR PREPARATION PROGRAMS | ANNUAL TEACHING & LEARNING CONFERENCES |
| Provide funding and support for educators and students to develop and implement innovative projects and curricula within their classrooms and across the community. | Bring leading experts and thought leaders to BB&N to share cutting-edge ideas, technologies, and practices with our community. | Focus on attracting, nurturing, and retaining talented educators, equipping them with the skills to drive future innovation in learning. | Host a yearly event dedicated to exploring new trends in education, fostering collaboration, and showcasing innovative teaching methods. |
innovation in action
Innovation has been essential to BB&N’s storied past and now serves as a guiding framework for its future. First awarded in Spring 2022, BB&N’s Innovation Grants empower faculty, staff, and students to pursue bold ideas that aim to disrupt, evolve, or enhance existing teaching and learning practices. A structured program plan guides the grant process—from proposal to implementation—ensuring clarity and support for each project.
Recent grant-supported initiatives span a wide range of interests and disciplines, including African Drumming, Dancing, and Singing Instruction & Equipment, an Upper School music initiative integrating West African drumming, dance, and singing into the chorale program with new instruments and guest artists to deepen students’ vocal performance; HacKnight 2.0, a 24-hour interscholastic overnight hackathon returning for a second year; and, new this year, Waypoint Adventures for 3rd Grade, where a team of third graders partner with Waypoint Adventure to explore disability awareness through experiential outdoor activities such as rock climbing and hiking.
These grants continue to fuel creative thinking, student engagement, and collaborative problem-solving—strengthening the BB&N community while shaping the future of education.
innovation in action
The Visiting Innovators Program was established in 2023 by parents in the Class of 2023 through their Senior Parents Gift.
2025/2026: Eric Hudson is a facilitator and strategic advisor who supports schools in making sense of what’s changing in education. Eric’s primary objective is to promote AI literacy across the BB&N community.
2024/2025: Rob “ProBlak” Gibbs is a visual artist, organizer, and community builder who has transformed the cultural landscape of Boston through his powerful art and commitment to youth education.
2023/2024: Dr. Liza Talusan is an educator, facilitator, and strategic change partner for organizations, corporations, leadership teams, schools, and individuals who are looking to build their skills in areas of diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and leadership. She leads with compassion and connection, even when conversations are difficult and challenging.
innovation in action
BB&N’s Teaching & Learning Conferences are professional gatherings where educators share ideas, explore educational practices, and connect with others to support different areas of teaching and learning.
2025/2026: TBA
2024/2025: Human-Centered AI in Education: Insights, Discussions, and Hands-On Applications with Eric Hudson
2023/2024: Depolarizing Our Classrooms and School Communities
2022/2023: AI in K-12 Education
innovation in action
Educator Preparation Programs at BB&N encompass 3 pipeline opportunities:
The Bright Bold Next Campaign is a transformative investment that will elevate the student experience from pre-K through grade 12. This campaign will ensure our students are equipped with the skills and experiences necessary to thrive in a changing world.
Financial aid allows us to promote socioeconomic diversity in all grades. When students bring different backgrounds and perspectives to campus, our education becomes more expansive and open to bright ideas and bold solutions.
The Lower School renovation is ensuring students have the learning environment they need to reach their potential. Every design decision has been made through the lens of pedagogy and biophilia.
The BB&N Fund meets pressing needs and keeps us agile and flexible. It stands as a testament to our institutional strength and the commitment of our community.
Thanks to generous support from early donors, BB&N opened its newest athletic campus during the 2022 Homecoming Weekend. The Grove Street Athletic Campus is located in Watertown, MA.
The Bright Bold Next Campaign is designed to propel BB&N into the future with an emphasis on community, sustainability, and innovation. We continue to move forward in the soft launch phase of our fundraising.