Standing inside the interior courtyard of the new 63,000-square foot academic building and observing the hustle and bustle of 660 Kindergarten through Grade 7 students, it is hard to recall this was once abandoned property. 

With construction assistance from local contractors from Northern New Jersey, a vision for Philip’s Academy Charter School of Paterson (Philip’s) and investment and development from nonprofit Building Hope, 94-124 Madison Ave. in Paterson has transformed and made the dream of a forever home for Philip’s students, families, and the greater community a reality. Philip’s will officially cut the ribbon on its permanent location at 2 p.m. on June 5, 2024.

“Building Hope is proud to have been part of the team that transformed what was once an abandoned property into a campus for learning and a cornerstone for community connection,” said Building Hope Real Estate Senior Vice President Jerry Zayets.

Members of the Paterson community – including Paterson Mayor André Sayegh, Assemblyman Benjie Wimberly, NJPCSA President and CEO Harry Lee Executive County Superintendent of Schools Kesha Drakeford and others– will join Philip’s CEO Dr. Dowayne Davis, school leadership, families, and students for the ceremony. The Philip’s choir also will perform.

Philip’s opened in 2016 with just 60 kindergartners and now is on its way to serving 660 Kindergarten through Grade 8 students under one roof. The new academic building replaces three separate spaces that previously served school students and families just a few miles away in the Paterson community.

Philip’s’ Board Chair and Parent Altisha Gibson said, “The new facility is important to both students and families because students and the educational community at large benefit from positive surroundings and a healthy learning environment for our children.”

Philip’s’ Board Vice Chair and Parent Alexis Gibson added, “Philip’s families recognize that a quality facility ensures that students, teachers and staff perform at their best and generate positive attitudes.”

Philip’s provides a moral and rigorous education to a diverse student body, accomplished in a hands-on, technology infused educational environment that embraces differentiated instruction and individual attention in both indoors and outdoors learning spaces. The school’s programs develop students’ commitment to global citizenship, environmental sustainability, and personal virtue. Philip’s’ new location adds a basketball court and a full commercial kitchen to its campus. 

“As we say here at Philip’s, we are One School with One Mission, and now we are One School with One Mission under one roof,” said Philip’s Chief Executive Officer Dr. Dowayne Davis. “We have the blessing of being located in a community that is rich and vibrant, and together we have created the right environment to unleash every student’s potential. Cutting the ribbon is about more than just opening an exceptional new space. For us, it is about opening the possibilities for our community’s youth through equitable, rigorous, relevant, and engaging education.”

Philip’s students started classes in the new academic building on April 10, 2024. Kacie Harvey, Grade 7, founding student, PGC leader, and Wight Foundation Scholar shared, “The new Philip’s Academy building really shows that the adults care, with all of the thought and effort they put into this building, making sure it is a safe environment that unleashes potential in the students. Because of this building, younger students will have more role models and older children to guide them. We are able to become better citizens when we are around the people and community we love.”

For more information about how Building Hope helps charter schools nationwide with facilities, financing, and operational services customized to their goals and school culture, visit www.buildinghope.org. 

Photo courtesy of Philip’s Academy Charter School of Paterson.