On April 3, while many public schools across Massachusetts closed in observance of Good Friday, Milton Academy remained in session, offering transportation to local church services and a space for reflection instead. However, only a handful of students expressed interest—and just one ultimately attended.
Adair Johnson ’27, who has written an opinion article on the school’s decision, wondered if “accommodations are enough,” and argued that “Good Friday should be more fully recognized within the academic calendar.”
In an effort to support students observing the holiday, the Department of Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) organized transportation to two local services—a 6:30 p.m. Catholic Mass at Saint Elizabeth Church and a 7:30 p.m. Episcopal service at Saint Michael Parish—and opened the chapel from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. for silent reflection. According to Director of Equity and Inclusion Melissa Lawlor, the goal was “to make sure that students had access…to observe religious practices while here on campus.”
Despite these efforts, participation remained limited. Lawlor noted that “four or five students expressed interest” in attending the Catholic service, while no students signed up for the Episcopal option. For Amelia Joseph ’28, who attended the Catholic Mass, the experience was meaningful. “I appreciated the support that I felt from my community for practicing my religion, and it’s not just something that I have to figure out on my own, especially when I’m without my family here.”
Still, other students chose not to use the services. Christian Fellowship Co-Head Amy Khaing ’27 said she attended her own church instead, citing a personal connection to her home congregation. She emphasized, however, that the school’s efforts were still valuable. “I think [the school’s providing transportation to Mass] is a good opportunity for boarders who have trouble commuting,” she said, adding that “Good Friday can have varying significance for students…it can be hard for the school to balance.”
That balance—between providing support and fully recognizing religious observances—remains a point of discussion within the community. Math teacher and Christian Fellowship faculty sponsor Akin Adeboye believes that while Milton has made progress, there is still room for improvement.
“I think we can do better,” Adeboye said. “Good Friday… is the most important day for many Christians. It’s a day we should really spend reflecting.”
In practice, however, prioritizing the reflection can be difficult. Adeboye pointed to academic pressures and scheduling conflicts that may limit students’ ability to participate. “People were stressed…it was the end of a grading cycle, they had games, homework,” he acknowledged.
Adeboye noted that many may not fully understand the significance of Good Friday. He contrasted Good Friday with Ash Wednesday, which typically sees higher student engagement. “We have a good turnout,” he said, and he suggested that consistency and visibility may play a key role in participation.
Milton’s current policy allows students to request excused absences for religious observances and receive extensions on academic work. However, Lawlor noted that Milton—unlike many public schools in the area—has not taken the day off in the five years she has been here.
Changing that policy would require a formal process, including student input and administrative approval. “The Head of School has to decide,” Adeboye said. He added that any calendar changes must be planned well in advance.
As Milton continues to balance its academic priorities with the needs of a diverse student body, Good Friday highlights a broader challenge: How can the school meaningfully support religious observances in such a busy and diverse community?