Charter School Opens New Building, Enrollment Rises

Like many charter schools, Prospect Hill Academy has struggled for years with too little space. But the opening of their glistening new high school has solved that problem for at least the next 20 years—and with the added space, enrollment is also up.

A K-12 school, Prospect Hill holds classes for kindergarten through grade six at two campuses in Somerville: on Webster St. in Union Square and on Franklin St. in East Somerville.

Until now though, upper grade classes were squeezed into one building in Cambridge. "We were not able to effectively meet the needs of Junior High or High School students," said Head of School Jed Lippard.

Nor were they able to accommodate every student that wished to enroll. The school admits students by lottery with preference given to Somerville and Cambridge residents. Wait lists have been common. But the added space at 54 Essex St. in Cambridge may help change that. Just 975 students were able to enroll in the '09/'10 school year. This fall, nearly 1,200—the target enrollment of their original charter—started classes.

The expansion has long been in the works. "We've had our eyes on this space since 2002," said Lippard. "And we were very clear with [the landlord] St. Mary's Parish that…we would want to sign a long term lease."

The Archdiocese of Boston, which owns the former St. Mary of the Annunciation Church building, granted the school a 20-year lease, which made it worthwhile for them to invest in the building. Renovations began two years ago and the doors opened to students in September.

A College-Like Atmosphere

The new design gives the Upper School (grades 9 through 12) a college-like atmosphere, which goes along with the flexible curriculum. "Good students make good schools, but good buildings aren't bad either," said Prospect Hill Academy External Relations Director Anja Bresler.

Student response has been overwhelmingly positive. "The transition from the old building to the new is a gift," said senior Betsie DeOliveira, who has attended Prospect Hill since kindergarten. "It gives an identity to PHA and the students have pride in their school. Now they say 'Oh, that's my school, come and see it.'"

Junior Maishke Antoine summed up his feelings about the new space succinctly: "I'm in love."

A popular new feature is The Learning Commons, which dominates the first floor and is flanked by a writing center and a college counseling office. It gives students an open and creative atmosphere where they can learn, collaborate and take advantage of the technology the school provides.

"It's a much better environment than last year. You just had a few rooms where there were a lot of distractions. Now we have all the resources like laptops and computers," said senior Elias Estabrook. "There is a lot more pride about our resources."
 
Students sprawled out on comfortable chairs or studying in groups gives the room the feel of a Student Union, and that is intentional. "It give us a glimpse and taste of college," said DeOliveira, adding that the space "forces you to act and think of what college is going to be like…when you have to handle your time wisely."

New Science Labs and Courses
New labs for both chemistry and biology, as well as computer science and language, have also allowed curriculum expansion. Now able to offer Advanced Placement (AP) Biology, AP Chemistry and AP Electronics, the school can now "treat students like scientists to teach them," said Bresler.

The lack of lab space prior to the renovation was frustrating. But now attendees "are inspired to try harder," said Deoliveira. "The students deserve to have the space to work with what they're interested in."

With the additional classroom space in the four-story building, a slew of other new courses can are now being for the first time as well. Sports and physical education programs were also expanded.  

"We got mail over the summer with a whole new list of courses like Marine Biology, Economics, Global Poverty and World Religion. It's pretty amazing how many different interests are represented…for the size of the student body," said Estabrook. "Now I don't have to say I gave up classes I could have taken at another school just to go to here."

An Environmentally Friendly Design Filled with Sunlight
Boston-based architectural firm CBT, which designed the new building, is already busy submitting it for design awards. One stand-out feature? The Grand, arched bay windows in the fourth floor classrooms provide sweeping views of the Tobin Bridge and Downtown Boston. Elsewhere, natural light streams into the hallways and well-appointed classrooms.

Students find their new views inspiring. You get "the reality that we are in a big city," said Estabrook. "You are surrounded by great schools like Harvard, Leslie and MIT. It makes you feel part of it," said DeOliveira.

The renovations are also environmentally friendly. Building materials use green products. Light fixtures are motion activated. Toilets are dual flush, and the hand dryers are energy efficient. In all respects, the school held itself to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards.

Meanwhile, recycling stations are located on each floor, and rather then air conditioning, the school installed a recycled air system to more naturally cool the premises. A $6.5 million Qualified Zone Academic Bond granted via MassDevelopment made it all possible.

The Building is an Educator

Built especially for Juniors and Seniors who have free study periods during the day, the administration is encouraged that students are using the space as intended. "They are quiet, engaged and respectful in the Learning Commons," said Bresler.

Meanwhile, the green building features have carried over into the curriculum. Various classes and school projects now focus on them.

"People behave the way you treat them. What this building clearly attests to is that the facilities really can contribute powerfully both academically and culturally," said Lippard. "The building is an educator."

The Opening Ceremony for the Upper School takes place at 5:30 p.m. Thursday Oct. 7. For info click here.

Also, on Somerville Community Access TV, "Greater Somerville," hosts Joe Lynch and KyAnn Anderson talked with Prospect Hill Academy's Jed Lippard about the new building and curriculum changes. The show may be watched online at greatersomerville.wordpress.com.