Esperanza Academy set to build groundbreaking new school

In a recent city council meeting, officials discussed a significant tax increment financing (TIF) agreement aimed at supporting the construction of a new facility for Esperanza Academy, a tuition-free independent school in Lawrence, Massachusetts. The project, which has been in development for over a year, is now in the final stages of securing funding after navigating various regulatory processes, including zoning and conservation approvals.

Jadio Olivares, head of Esperanza Academy, presented the school's mission and the anticipated impact of the new building. The academy serves middle school girls from Lawrence, focusing on those who qualify for free or reduced lunch. With a commitment to a 12-year educational journey, the school boasts a 100% high school graduation rate and a 77% college enrollment rate, primarily supporting first-generation college students.

Olivares highlighted the unique educational model of Esperanza, which emphasizes restorative justice, music therapy, and cultural acceptance. The school aims to create an environment where students can embrace their heritage while achieving academic success. The new facility will be the first K-8 tuition-free independent school for black and brown girls in the United States, designed to reflect the community's values and aspirations.

The proposed building will feature innovative elements, including a fully operational bodega to provide essential goods to families in need and hair salon stalls to support the cultural identity of the students. Esperanza Academy has raised nearly $30 million for the project, relying entirely on private funding without city, state, or federal support.

As the council deliberates on the TIF agreement, the Esperanza Academy project stands as a testament to community investment in education and the potential for transformative change in the lives of its students. The council members expressed interest in the project's implications for employment, with plans to increase staffing as the school expands. The meeting concluded with an invitation for further questions, emphasizing the collaborative effort between the city and the academy to enhance educational opportunities in Lawrence.