The John D. O’Bryant School of Mathematics and Science has a long and distinguished history. The O'Bryant began in 1893 as the Mechanic Arts High School, an all-boys school originally location in Boston’s Back Bay. Mechanic Arts prepared its all male student body to become the machinists, iron workers, drafters and carpenters, needed in the trades of the period. Later, the school moved to Townsend Street in Roxbury. Then in 1944, the school changed its name to reflect a more technical era and became Boston Technical High School. In 1987 Tech was relocated to 55 New Dudley Street (Now Malcolm X Boulevard), where it remains today. Merging with the Mario Umana Technical High School in 1989 meant that we became a 7-12 school. Having a middle school program has created a strong base upon which to align our academic program. By 1992 it was clear that the Tech label no longer fit who we had become as a school. Our academic focus had changed from the technical to math and science and we wanted our name to show it. In 1992, Tech was renamed to reflect a more accurate identity and to honor Boston's eminent education leader, John D. O'Bryant.
One of our many strengths as an exam school has been the ability to evolve academically in order to enable our students to participate fully in the world as we find it. We are a diverse body of learners, who engage “students in a rigorous and comprehensive Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics program, integrated with Humanities.”
- More than 95% of our students score at Advanced or Proficient in the state MCAS exam
- We offer academic programs in engineering and the Gateway to the Longwood Medical Area program. These
- programs support students in their pursuit of careers in engineering and medicine
- We offer Advanced Placement courses in mathematics, English, Spanish, social studies, economics and
- science. In recognition of our accomplishments in advanced placement, we were awarded The Siemens Award
- We are a U.S News and World Report Silver Medal school, which means that we are ranked among the best
- schools in the country “in preparing [all students] to demonstrate proficiency in basic skills as well as readiness
- for college-level work” (U.S. News and World Report)
- 95% of our graduates go on to four year colleges such as MIT, Tufts, Brown, Harvard, Boston University,
- University of Massachusetts, Smith and Boston College
- We offer a full athletic program. Our teams and our athletes have won numerous championships and awards
- We provide numerous opportunities for other extra-curricular activities through student government, clubs, internships and academic enrichment
We are proud of the work we do with our students who will someday “become leaders who will shape the direction of society.” Stop by the John D. O’Bryant School of Mathematics and Science. Meet our wonderful students and dedicated faculty. You’ll be glad you did.
Steven C. Sullivan Headmaster
