BRIDGEPORT, CT (June 3, 2025) –New Beginnings Family Academy (NBFA), established in Bridgeport, CT as the city’s first elementary public charter school in September 2002, will hold a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the beginning of construction for its new Early Learning Center (ELC).
The ceremony will be held on June 10, 2025 at 11 AM at 170 Garden Street on its South End campus. The ceremony is a significant milestone for the school and the Bridgeport community, representing the culmination of years of planning and dedication from NBFA to enhance early childhood education. Research shows that high-quality, early childhood programs have long-term social, emotional, academic and economic benefits, especially for students living in poverty. Currently, NBFA serves up to 499 students in Pre-K through grade 6. NBFA's student body is 98% Black and Hispanic, more than 13% are multilingual learners, and 12% receive special education services. The ELC will allow the number of preschoolers currently served by the charter school to double– addressing a critical need for early childhood slots while also contributing to the city’s economic development.
“NBFA has always been committed to providing a high-quality, emotionally responsive education to the children of Bridgeport,” said Ronelle P. Swagerty, District Director/CEO of NBFA. “The Early Learning Center will allow us to extend that commitment to even more families in our community, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive from the earliest stages of their education.”
With an eye on the formative years, NBFA will increase student learning and development outcomes through its evidence-based, state-of-the-art center designed by Gill and Gill Architects of Norwalk.
The two-story, 14,100 square foot building will support play-based learning. The first floor will house eight NAEYC-standard classrooms, a gross motor skills space, and related offices. Each classroom is designed to accommodate a maximum of 20 students. The second floor will house a conference room and non-instructional staff offices. Green space and a fenced-in outdoor playground will enhance student learning year-round.
Construction of the $5,002,006 Early Learning Center is being managed by Montagno Construction and is expected to be completed by Fall 2026. NBFA has secured $4 million in private donations, pledges and reserves to fund the construction and was recently awarded a $855,176 grant from the Great Schools for Connecticut Project to support staff and furnishings. NBFA is aggressively fundraising for the remaining $1 million for construction.
“The NBFA Board of Directors, leadership, staff and teachers are positioned to bring more than 20 years of academic experience and social-emotional learning to the preschool learners of Bridgeport,“ said NBFA Chairman Donald Foley. “We’re excited to provide students with a state-of-the art for Early Learning Center as they begin their academic journey.”
About New Beginnings Family Academy:
NBFA is a Pre-K through Grade 6 tuition-free public charter school. Through NBFA’s student-centered approach steeped in child development, and emotionally responsive practice, the needs of each child are addressed holistically through skillful relationship building and culturally relevant curriculum. Its mission is to provide students a meaningful, high-quality education through experience-based learning that helps develop essential social, emotional and critical-thinking skills. This gives all children a foundation to achieve their full potential at every stage of life. To learn more, please visit www.nbfacademy.org