Finding connection through community.
Traditions connect the past, current, and future of The Advent School.
Monarch Butterfly Parade
An all-school event where students and faculty parade to the Public Garden to celebrate the monarch butterfly. When nature permits, faculty release monarch butterflies to begin their migration to Mexico. Students create masks and banners and sing songs to send the butterflies off on their journey. This event is part of the curriculum for ECC and Kindergarten. All grades are invited to attend.
Spirit Week
A week of Advent spirit! Students are invited to dress up in various ways that showcase love for their community. The week includes Founder’s Day (December 6), which is Advent's founder, Dr. Mona C. Hull’s birthday.
Spanish Week
All grades participate in Spanish week, during which the students participate in workshops, games, performances and activities related to Spanish culture. Parents and caregivers are invited when each class shares during this week in March.
Day of Community Wellness
Originally begun during the beginning of the pandemic as an online event, the Day of Community Wellness is a whole-school community event led by the Sixth Graders and the Yoga and Mindfulness Teacher. Held at the Public Garden in the late spring, Sixth Graders lead the community in yoga poses and brief meditations to center us as a community.
Fall & Winter Traditions
Community Share
An opportunity for all students, faculty, and staff members to gather for a sharing time. Community Share supports our mission of bringing together a diverse community and fostering a culture of collaboration. Classes are invited to share things they are working on as part of Community Share. Often these focus on the overarching theme and social justice topics students are investigating. Individuals are invited to share poems, songs, or special skills.
Winter Concert
All classes present a non-denominational musical program at The Church of the Advent. The Fifth Graders perform the sword dance, an Advent tradition for over 30 years! All parents/caregivers, family, and friends are invited to attend and celebrate the season.
Spring Traditions
Spring Play
The Sixth Graders perform a musical at a nearby venue. Students build the sets and create costumes, compose music, and direct choreography with the help of faculty and parents/caregivers. Fifth Graders participate in the play as an ensemble. The entire school, along with family and friends, are invited to attend.
Field Day
The entire student body is divided into themed teams - complete with team colors and team names inspired by the PE curriculum - to participate in collaborative games, relay races, and contests. This event occurs in June on the fields of the Esplanade, and all are welcome to attend.
Book Fair
In partnership with a Beacon Hill Books on Charles Street, Advent's librarian organizes a book fair where families can purchase books and other related items. Various book-related events happen throughout the week, including author visits and Book Character Day, where students dress up as their favorite literary characters.
Art Stroll
Advent's 99 West Cedar Street becomes a dynamic exhibition of student artwork. Two-dimensional work is displayed alongside sculptures and collaborative art experiences. Businesses along Charles Street are part of the event, hosting student-created art in their establishments. All grades participate, and all parents/caregivers are invited to attend.
Graduation
Advent’s graduation is a community-wide event that celebrates not only our graduates but the entire community. The day begins with an all-school parade from 15 Brimmer Street to the graduation venue, which has included iconic sites such as Faneuil Hall, Boston Common, and City Hall Plaza. Graduates give speeches to their friends, families, and guests, highlighting their unique Advent experience. All grades perform songs and share in the celebration.