THE CENTER FOR CREATIVE EDUCATION IS MOVING ITS CAMPUS TO SERVE MORE STUDENTS
The Foundations School a solution for success for up to 200 students at risk for academic failure
(WEST PALM BEACH) – Students from The Foundations School wore handmade costumes representing their vocabulary words including “stormy,” “artistic” and “wind” today to welcome guests to a groundbreaking event at 2400 Metrocentre Blvd, West Palm Beach. The location will house their new school and headquarters for the Center for Creative Education (CCE) and is expected to open in time for fall semester 2022. Spurred by increases in student reading scores in only its first year, the nearly 30-year-old nonprofit is making more room to implement its vision of giving the community’s most socioeconomically challenged young people an opportunity for a brighter tomorrow.
“This is an exciting time for CCE as we embark on a new step forward that will increase our impact in our community and beyond,” said Robert L. Hamon, CCE president and CEO. “CCE opened its doors in January 2021 to our newest initiative, The Foundations School, the latest program designed to fully implement the impact of our 27 years of service to the community. This new campus will allow CCE to expand all of our educational services and it will provide a home with space to grow for The Foundations School.”
The Foundations School is specifically designed to support those students who, based on test scores, will not be successful without substantial support; who are behind academically; attending poorly performing schools; and may be living with challenging economic circumstances and other threats to their success.
Hamon said the children in attendance had produced their costumes as part of a vocabulary parade project. Kindergartener Taylor S. dressed as “symmetry.” First grader Zayin F. was clad as “inspiration.” Third grader Neriah L. was a “thermometer.” At the groundbreaking event, guests had a chance to see the research students did on their vocabulary word, as well as their creative handiwork planning and constructing a costume, and teaching guests what they learned.
According to Hamon, CCE has launched a nearly $17 million capital campaign to complete the construction of its new site. Honorary campaign honorary chairs are Palm Beach residents and prominent philanthropists, Irene and Jim Karp. Nearly $7 million in funding has been raised to date, including donations from the Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation, Dan Catalfumo of Catalfumo Construction, the Conrad Hilton Foundation and the Jasteka Foundation.
“Our goal today is to celebrate this important milestone in CCE’s achievements and to appeal to the philanthropic nature of everyone who hears us,” said Irene Karp. “We get to play a role in the issues we believe are the key to the future – education, the arts and building our community. We hope others are inspired to be a part of this great organization, to follow our lead and give generously. We can all make a difference and your support benefits each and every one of us in South Florida.”
With access to four acres of land at the new site, CCE is renovating an existing 28,000-square-foot building to house administration offices and a 200-student Kindergarten-through-third-grade elementary school. The site’s current building will offer 12 technologically equipped classrooms, designed to inspire creative thinking and academic success; a 900-square-foot space built specifically for creativity and exploration; a multipurpose cafeteria, as well as an outdoor fenced-in playground. The media and visual arts center will be housed in a brand new 2,200 square-foot-building. SpinaOrourke + Partners has been hired as the architect and space planner, and Quest Builders will oversee construction.
As part of its approach, The Foundations School uses small class sizes, flexible grouping, arts integration, and highly qualified and dedicated educators. A low student-to-teacher ratio and a sense of community in the classroom ensure opportunities to customize learning activities to match students’ learning styles and academic goals. Targeted for students in underserved communities, the independent school uses a sliding scale fee and tuition is determined based upon need. While every family contributes something, no one will ever be unable to attend due to a financial barrier.
“Our focus is on ensuring grade-level reading,” continued Hamon. “As the foundation for all learning, reading is not only a building block, but a student’s most crucial academic skill. Through third grade, children are learning to read; after third grade, children are reading to learn. That is why we made the decision to start a school; to create an environment where we are fully committed to ensuring that all students acquire those foundational skills to be successful regardless of their socioeconomic status.
“Most of our students have academic challenges in front of them, and other threats to their success,” Hamon continued. “We are their solution. We offer a solid educational foundation in a place where they feel safe and valued. Our students receive additional resources and other protective factors that help mitigate their challenges so that they can break the cycle of multigenerational poverty and go on to live their best and most productive life.”
To learn more about enrolling in The Foundations School, visit cceflorida.org or call Dr. Kevin Kovacs at 561.805.9927; extension 118. To learn more about general CCE programming or to make a tax-deductible contribution to the Center for Creative Education, a 501(c)(3), please call Vivianne Hall at 561.805.9927; extension 105.