Articles

June 23, 2005
Esperanza Academy Secures Start Up Funding And National Recognition  - Siglo 21

Partnership between Lawrence, Andover Churches receives close to $330,000

LAWRENCE, Mass. - The Esperanza Academy Board of Directors last week announced the receipt of close to $330,000, a strong start in an ambitious campaign to create a tuition-free middle school for Lawrence girls. In addition to the funds, the Esperanza Academy has become a part of the nationwide Nativity Network, a critical step in school certification.

These start-up funds come from a range of founders, including the Cassin Foundation, committed to Nativity schools across the nation; the Stevens Foundation, a local philanthropic leader; individual donor and Andover resident Tom Maher, and more than 20 additional individual donors from across the country. The funds will be applied toward a fundraising goal of $3 million for school operations and renovations to the school building at Grace Church, 35 Jackson Street, Lawrence.

Daniel Velez-Rivera, President of the Board of Directors, stated: “This is a tremendous vote of confidence in the vision of Esperanza, from a variety of sectors that are critical to making Esperanza a success.”

Today, the Esperanza board also announced its admission to the Nativity Educational Centers Network, the national association of independent Nativity model schools. Nativity schools promote quality tuition-free education for low-income urban children, with a focus on small classes, extended day and year schedules. The Nativity model is based on Judeo-Christian values including respect for the potential of each person, a responsibility to the poor, and the promotion of social justice.

Blessed Steven Bellesini OSA Academy - a middle school for boys in Lawrence that celebrated its graduation last week - is also based on the Nativity model.

Esperanza Academy is a tuition-free middle school for girls in the 5-8th grades using the Nativity educational model and is scheduled to open in September 2006. The opening year the school will serve 40 students and will increase by 20 students in each of the two subsequent school years. Esperanza is a partnership between Christ Church in Andover and Grace Church in Lawrence, where the school will be housed.

Board Member Tom Maher says: “With today's achievements, our vision for Esperanza Academy is coming to life. With the continuing enthusiasm of our board members, donors and the community of Lawrence, Esperanza Academy will be a great success.”