BRIDGEPORT, CT (October 27, 2026) - New Beginnings Family Academy (NBFA), Bridgeport’s first elementary public charter school, will celebrate the opening and official dedication of its new Ronelle P. Swagerty Early Learning Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at 184 Garden Street in Bridgeport.
The ceremony marks a significant milestone in NBFA’s more than two-decade commitment to providing meaningful, high-quality educational opportunities for Bridgeport children and families. The new Early Learning Center doubles the school’s Pre-K capacity, expanding access to early childhood education in the community.
Designed by Gill & Gill Architects and constructed under the management of Montagno Construction, the two-story, 14,100-square-foot facility features eight classrooms designed to accommodate up to 20 students each, a dedicated gross motor skills space, outdoor green space, and a fenced playground. The center supports NBFA’s approach to early childhood education, emphasizing play-based learning grounded in emotionally responsive practices that nurture children’s academic, social, and emotional development.
Honoring a Legacy of Educational Leadership
The Early Learning Center will be formally dedicated in memory of Ronelle P. Swagerty, NBFA’s late Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, whose vision, perseverance, and commitment to early childhood education were instrumental in bringing the project to life.
Swagerty served NBFA for 22 years, championing educational equity, school choice, and meaningful learning opportunities for Bridgeport’s children. In August 2026, following her passing, NBFA’s Board of Directors formally adopted a resolution naming the new center in her honor, ensuring that her legacy continues to inspire future generations of young learners.
The dedication also echoes NBFA’s 2026–2027 school-year theme, “Honoring Our Legacy. Building The Future.”
NBFA’s Chief Executive Director Collette Fearon reaffirmed the school’s commitment to building upon its legacy while expanding educational opportunities for Bridgeport children.
“Together, we will build on our successes, strengthen our collective commitment to excellence, and ensure every child in our pre-K through sixth grade program receives the meaningful, high-quality education they deserve,” said Fearon.
Building the Future of Early Childhood Education
Under the leadership of Irene Logan, Director of the Early Learning Center and Student Support, the new facility provides an environment where young learners can develop essential foundational skills through play-based learning and meaningful educational experiences.
“When children feel nurtured, valued, and cared for from a young age, they start to believe in their own potential,” said Logan.
Logan brings more than two decades of experience in education, including expertise in literacy development, bilingual education, curriculum development, and instructional leadership.
The new Early Learning Center represents a significant investment in Bridgeport’s youngest learners, made possible through the commitment of NBFA’s leadership, Board of Directors, community partners, benefactors, and supporters.
Among the key contributors who helped bring this vision to life are Connecticut Charter Schools Association, CoData Computer Consulting, Gill & Gill Architects, M & T Bank, Montagno Construction Company, PSMJ Resources, Rand Insurance, Reign Venue, and Sweet Aroma Florals.
Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Details
The October 27th celebration will bring together NBFA’s Board of Directors, school co-founders and benefactors, Bridgeport Mayor Joseph P. Ganim, major donors, community partners, and members of the Swagerty family.
The ceremony will feature remarks from NBFA Chief Executive Officer, Collette Fearon, reflections on the school’s early years from co-founder Mr. Jonathan Dawson, a performance by the NBFA student choir, remarks from Mayor Ganim, and a formal dedication led by NBFA's Board Chair Donald E. Foley. Following the ribbon cutting, guests will be invited to tour the new Early Learning Center and attend a reception.
Tuesday’s ribbon-cutting marks the first of several celebrations planned for the Early Learning Center (ELC) during the 2026–2027 school year. These upcoming gatherings will provide NBFA families, alumni, and the broader community with opportunities to experience firsthand how Ronelle’s vision has come to fruition. As NBFA celebrates 24 years of unwavering commitment to students, families, and the community, its leadership remains dedicated to honoring the school’s rich legacy while building an even brighter future for generations of students to come.
Dates and details for additional ELC celebrations and school tours will be announced soon.
Event Information
Event: Ronelle P. Swagerty Early Learning Center Ribbon Cutting & Dedication
Date: Tuesday, October 27, 2026
Time: 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Location: 184 Garden Street, Bridgeport, CT 06605
Media Contact
Christopher Elliott | Communications Consultant
New Beginnings Family Academy
[email protected] | 203-384-2897 Ext. 2206
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 theory, 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