NEW BEDFORD, MA :Global Learning Charter Public School (GLCPS), a tuition-free public charter school that currently services 500 students in grades 5-12, is launching a $8 million capital campaign to fund the renovation of a historic building located at 106 Bullard Street in New Bedford creating “One School, One Campus.”

The One School, One Campus project will lead to the rehabilitation of an addition three story, 18,132 square foot building for GLCPS students, staff and community members. This project will allow GLCPS to reallocate classroom space and offer students an education experience that remains rich in technology and on the leading edge of education innovation.  The expanded classroom space will feature science labs, dedicated art and music space, foreign language classrooms, multi-use classrooms and teacher and community collaboration space. The renovation will also include necessary upgrades to bring the building up to code.

The buildings are on a 25-year lease, including a 5-year extension option, with the Diocese of Fall River. The new lease includes both the current main campus building located at 190 Ashley Boulevard and the addition of the adjacent former St. Anthony’s convent building located at 106 Bullard Street in New Bedford.

Prior to the 2019-2020 school year, GLCPS was split between two campuses, approximately 2 miles apart, creating a travel interruption during the school day for high school students that split their time between both campuses. With the new lease in place GLCPS will embark on a campaign to renovate and upgrade the facility creating “One School, One Campus.”

As a Public Charter School, GLCPS does not receive the same facilities support as traditional districts through local tax levies and the Massachusetts School Building Authority, ultimately placing the financial burden directly on the school. GLCPS will only be able to achieve the expanded campus with the support of the local community, individual donors and private foundations.

“It is GLCPS unique academic programs that place GLCPS students at the forefront of education in the South Coast region and allows the school to be a leader in academic technology,” said Dr. Stephen Furtado, Executive Director of GLCPS. “Please consider joining Global Learning Charter Public School in this endeavor to expand classroom and collaboration space, while maintaining the high quality, technology rich, academic experience provided for all students.”