FAQs

Who attends Esperanza?

Esperanza serves fifth through eighth grade girls living in the city of Lawrence. Esperanza admits all students through a lottery system. To be eligible for the lottery, each girl must be entering fifth grade, be a resident of Lawrence, qualify for free or reduced public school lunch, and must have a supportive adult who is actively committed to the student's academic and social success.

What is a typical day at Esperanza like?

Esperanza students go to school for eleven hours a day. They start their day with breakfast at 7:30am, followed by academic classes including English, math, science, and history; after lunch they participate in athletics, extracurricular activities, and study hall, before eating dinner and being dismissed at 6:30pm.

What do students do during the summer program?

Esperanza girls spend three weeks in July participating in a wide variety of academic and enrichment activities including tutoring, camping, and community service projects. The summer program offers Esperanza students the chance to maintain and continue the progress they have made during the school year; they get extra help on subjects they may be struggling with, challenge themselves with projects or academic subjects that are not offered during the regular school year, experience outdoor activities that they otherwise would not get the chance to, and stay connected with the school, the staff, and each other.

How can I enroll my daughter at Esperanza?

To enroll your student at Esperanza, she needs to win a spot in the annual lottery which is held every spring. To qualify for the lottery, she must be resident in Lawrence, be a current fourth grader, qualify for free or reduced price public school lunch, and have an adult in her life that is committed to her academic and social success. For more information on the lottery, please contact Waleska Caceres at 978-686-4673 x20.

How can a private school be tuition-free?

Esperanza is completely funded by individuals, foundations, and corporations. Because they pay no tuition, the family of each student commits to two service hours per week at the school, which adds up to eighty service hours over the school year.

What is a NativityMiguel school?

Esperanza is part of the NativityMiguel network, which is a network of schools across the country that are designed to provide families in urban neighborhoods with a high quality education. All NativityMiguel schools follow the Nine Mission Effectiveness Standards, which include an extended school day and year, a faith-based education (Esperanza is affiliated with the Episcopal Church), and commitment to students beyond graduation. For more information, please visit http://www.nativitymiguelschools.org/

Where do students go after they graduate from Esperanza?

Esperanza's High School Placement Director works with each individual student to find the high school program that will best fit her needs and talents. Currently, Esperanza graduates attend a variety of public, private, and parochial schools across New England, including, Phillips Exeter Academy, Kimball Union Academy, Pingree School, Brooks School, Nobles and Greenough, Lawrence High School, Central Catholic High School, Austin Preparatory School, Presentation of Mary Academy, Notre Dame High School (Lawrence), Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School, Academy of Notre Dame (Tyngsboro), Dracut High School, Cathedral High School, and Lexington Christian Academy.

How does Esperanza support its graduates?

Esperanza is committed to supporting its graduates through high school, college, and beyond. We have a full-time Graduate Support Director who keeps in touch with our graduates, acts as the contact person between Esperanza and their high schools, tracks their academic performance, and organizes events to keep the girls connected with each other and the school.

How can I support Esperanza?

There are many ways to support Esperanza. You can volunteer your time and expertise; contribute to the Annual Fund; sponsor a student with a full year scholarship; attend our annual dinner and auction; attend one of our many student performances; or spread the word about all of the great things that are happening at our school!

How can I get more information about Esperanza?

For more information, please call 978-686-4673.