10 years ago, as Lawrence Public Schools became the first city in the Commonwealth to be placed in state receivership, Spark Academy was formed as a unique experiment in public education. Our founders believed that you could create a different model for how a school is operated - one that is a part of a traditional public school district while innovating with newfound autonomy and freedom at the school level. We believed you could create a school focused on academic rigor and excellence, while simultaneously honoring the needs of the whole child. Specifically, we launched a first of a kind model that integrated athletics and physical activity throughout the school day with a deep focus on learning. And finally, we believed that we could be a part of an unprecedented turnaround in the remarkable and resilient city of Lawrence, proving the possibility and potential that each of our young scholars holds.

This June, we are celebrating our 10 year anniversary, and our first era of impact. When Spark was launched, the school it was given to turnaround was a Level 4, the lowest designation in the state, and one of only a few dozen with that rating statewide. Within four years, our team at Spark was amongst the first turnaround schools to soar to a Level 1 school, the highest designation in the state. Of the twelve middle schools in Lawrence, each year, Spark has had the highest number of students admitted to Lawrence's selective exam high school, setting our graduates on a different trajectory to college and beyond. And last year, even amidst the vast challenges presented by COVID, our proud school had the highest academic growth on MCAS of any middle school in the district. We have a lot more work to do, but we are proud of all the hard work of our students and staff.

Through this celebration, we are turning to our community to raise $100,000 for the essential services our special school provides. Specifically, this money aims to fund our after school program for an additional 5 years, which is currently being funded by federal COVID-relief that sunsets this year. These funds will allow more than 100 of our students to have additional academic tutoring alongside enrichment in the arts, sports, and academic clubs during an extra 1.5 hours of school. This money also helps us provide essential funding for basic needs for families in times of need and students and funding for high-quality materials for hands-on projects and experiments.

We hope you will join us on June 1st, from 5:30-7:30, for our Celebration at Nutter McClennen & Fish at 155 Seaport Blvd, Fifth Floor, Boston, MA 02210. Hearty appetizers and desserts will be provided. If you are able to attend, please feel free to donate below and add a note in the comments that you plan to attend the event. If you would like to attend without making a donation at this time, please list your name here.

Wondering how you can impact students? Consider sponsoring a learning opportunity for our students:

$85 funds one week of after school tutoring for 10 students
$150 funds a trimester of supplies for an after school club
$320 funds one month of after school enrichment for 25 students
$1200 funds science lab kits for 150 students
$10,000 provides 1.5 extra hours of extended learning and after school enrichment for 100 students for an entire semester

All donations are tax deductible. If you have any questions regarding your online donation, please contact us directly at (978) 777-8876 or email donations@eccf.org. Thank you!