Nativity School of Worcester, a tuition-free, middle school that provides a holistic, faith-based education rooted in Ignatian values to students of all faiths from under-resourced communities, is thrilled to announce the successful completion of its capital campaign, Access & Impact: The Campaign for Nativity School of Worcester. The campaign was launched two years ago with the goal of raising $20 million. Thanks to the generosity of more than 2,000 individuals, foundations, and corporations, Nativity Worcester surpassed its goal and raised $25 million, making it the largest campaign in the school’s history.
The campaign’s success has created the first tuition-free private education for girls in Central Massachusetts and developed new opportunities that ensure all students, both boys and girls, can thrive and form into tomorrow’s leaders. The campaign has had a transformative impact on Nativity Worcester:
The school expanded from an all-boys institution to a co-divisional school, welcoming the first girls in 2024 with the establishment of the Julie Power Girls Division.
- Historically, Nativity Worcester educated 60 students annually. Today, the school serves 96 students, including 40 girls. The long-term goal is to reach approximately 130 students, evenly split between boys and girls in grades five through eight, which will double the number of students graduating each year.
- Nativity Worcester’s Graduate Support Program has expanded scholarship offerings and strengthened support for graduates as they pursue secondary and postsecondary opportunities.
- The school’s educational endowment fund, which provides scholarships for students, has grown from $5 million to $12 million, strengthening long-term financial sustainability.
- Nativity Worcester completed a classroom renovation and is now planning to acquire a new building or undertake additional renovations to accommodate its growing student population.
Nativity Worcester President Tom McKenney stated, “We have been amazed by the incredible generosity shown by so many long-term and new benefactors, who have contributed to our campaign. This campaign has truly been historic for our school, ensuring that our students, both young men and now young women, receive a transformative education and long-term support through our Graduate Support Program.” McKenney added, “Nativity Worcester can’t thank our supporters, trustees, fundraising volunteers, staff, graduates, and countless others enough for making this campaign such a success. The impact of the campaign will live on for years to come.”
Veronica Listerud, Chair of Nativity Worcester’s Board of Trustees, said, “On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I want to express our profound gratitude to the donors and partners who have made this campaign such a tremendous success. Their investment strengthens our foundation and ensures that Nativity Worcester will continue to fulfill its mission with excellence. Our community has stepped up in extraordinary ways to invest in the future of our students and the continued growth of our school.”
While Nativity Worcester’s campaign has concluded, it continues to raise critical donations to ensure it can fund its tuition-free middle school program and support its growing student body.
Since 2003, Nativity Worcester has striven to improve its impact each year and provide students with a dynamic, holistic educational experience that enables them to excel. Nativity’s community-centered programming, Ignatian values, small class sizes, co-teaching model, extended school day and year, and individualized approach to education provide students with an opportunity to become their best authentic selves. Nativity’s unique Graduate Support Program ensures long-term success via mentorship, tutoring, and career services through high school, postsecondary education and beyond. The Nativity experience is unlike any other.”