Over 350 children will now enjoy the state-of-the-art Bronx Community School, home to the Children’s Aid College Prep Charter School, on 1232 Southern Boulevard in Foxhurst.
The ribbon was cut for the new $45 million dollar facility on Thursday, January 25.
This project was funded by Children’s Aid, an organization that offers a broad range of services throughout the Bronx, including early childhood education programs, foster care services and health care while also heading up a number of community schools in the borough.
“This is yet another example of Children’s Aid putting its resources where they are most needed,” said Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr.
“Our new facility will serve as a true hub for the Bronx community with a comprehensive array of resources in the building or close at hand,” said Children’s Aid president Phoebe Boyer. “This project creates an ideal environment for what we believe is a cornerstone of our work,” she added.
“This school is meant to meet the needs of high quality education,” said Children’s Aid COO Daniel Lehman. “Doing so for those who don’t ordinarily have these opportunities,” he added.
This new school will be expanding to include pre-k and fifth grade next year.
The facility will also offer after-school activities, weekend and summer programming in addition to becoming a community gathering space.
The new building includes a gymnasium/auditorium, cafeteria, expanded science room, art room, dedicated dance studio, music room, library/media center, and meeting rooms.
“It’s amazing to see the impact of this new facility,” said Casey Vier, principal of Children’s Aid College Prep Charter School. “This has been a long time in the making,” she added.
Vier also emphasized the school’s state of the art science lab.
It allows for a hands on, interactive approach to the subject.
“Science should be exploratory. To have a lab that makes that happen is amazing,” said Vier.
“The people that call this neighborhood home deserve an outstanding facility like the Bronx Community School,” said Councilwoman Maria del Carmen Arroyo. “This school model brings enhanced services to our neighborhoods, and we are always happy to welcome them into our community.”
The new school features other components that create an enhanced learning environment too. Classrooms are equipped with Smartboards, computers, and tablets. Each student is given either an iPad or Chromebook as an educational resource.
“Our mission of breaking the cycle of poverty in city demands that we focus on those communities with the highest needs,” said Iris Abrons, the chair of Children’s Aid’s Board of Trustees.
“This is an incredible and much-needed investment in our community,” said Diaz.
“The south Bronx is a vibrant but under-resourced neighborhood that is poised for success. Our families want the same opportunity that all Americans have, and the Bronx Community School will put critical services within reach of many families who really need them” he added.
The new facility also provides suites for social workers and professionals as well as parent-dedicated rooms and resources.
Vier expressed that she wants “nothing taken for granted” and wants to see students and families “thrive even more” from the state-of-the-art school.
“This new facility helps us achieve our goals and our mission,” said Vier. “To have a school that is yours is an amazing thing, it’s been surreal,” she added.
