Today the Bridgeport school system serves approximately 23,000 students and employs a professional staff of more than 1,700, making it the second largest in Connecticut. The city offers a strong foundation for education, and the new and renovated schools will benefit Bridgeport in many ways.

STUDENTS AND TEACHERS: Students and teachers will enjoy a high-quality school environment, which helps make the education process more productive. Air-conditioned classrooms, wiring for state-of-the-art computer technology, smaller class sizes, and larger playgrounds are just a few of the planned enhancements. In addition to five new elementary schools, the Bridgeport School Construction Program includes plans for renovations, additions and accessibility updates at various existing schools. Extra attention has been given to the design of specialty rooms such as libraries, gymnasiums, cafeterias, art and music rooms. Each classroom, office and workspace will meet the requirements of students, teachers and school staff. The improved working conditions will be a positive factor when attracting new teachers and staff to the city’s school system. Overall, this intensive effort will bring education into the 21st century in Bridgeport.

THE NEIGHBORHOODS: With five new schools opening over the next three years, the city has a unique opportunity to drive neighborhood revitalization around these centers of excellence. Each school will be an anchor for its neighborhood. Each will provide a state-of-the-art learning environment, plenty of room for sports and recreation, and will be an asset to the neighborhoods in which they are built, providing a gathering place for the community when school is not in session.

THE CITY: Schools are what define a neighborhood and the people who live there. An important message is sent when a city is willing to put money into its schools – the city cares enough about its future to reinvest in itself. With five new schools in Bridgeport, city leaders envision neighborhoods becoming stronger, attracting new businesses, and encouraging families throughout the region to move in, purchase homes, and invest in their properties. This will strengthen the fabric of our community and expand the tax base in order for the city to continue to grow and prosper.