The Bridgeport Public Schools Board of Directors; Superintendent of Schools, Aresta L. Johnson, Ed.D.; and Principal Helen D. Giles invited Carver to bring its successful after school program to the Classical Studies Magnet Academy (CSMA). This is the first initiative Carver has undertaken outside of Norwalk.

CSMA is a "themed" Pre-K to 8th grade public school in Bridgeport’s West Side neighborhood for more than 400 students. Its curriculum of classical literature, art and music utilizes the Paideia instructional methodology (traditional lecturing, coaching, and the Socratic method of extended discussion). Instruction is project-based, involving frequent assemblies, presentations and field trips. CSMA occupies a 123-year-old structure, the oldest school still in use by the district. The school also rents a nearby closed Catholic school for their Pre-K to 2nd grade students.

Georgeann Stewart (a CSMA certified teacher) is the Lead Program Coordinator of Carver’s after school program at CSMA. She works closely with the school’s Assistant Principal, Lindsay Davis. Dr. Rita Brown-Holloway (M.A., M. Ed., M.Phil. and Ph.D.) serves as the school’s psychiatrist during the day. Carver is proud to call these and more professionals at CSMA our after school colleagues!

CSMA was recognized by the Connecticut State Department of Education as a School of Excellence (2016) and a School of Distinction (2013). Students throughout the district apply to attend and parents commit to 40 hours of volunteer service to the school if their children win a slot. The school's motto, "Every child, every chance, every day" reflects its commitment to helping each child reach his or her fullest potential, both as a student and a person.

The Bridgeport Board of Education is committing half the budget for this new after school program and Carver is raising the balance from private sources. This voluntary (extended school hours) after school program is designed to serve 200 students in grades 3-6 four days per week.

Carver at CSMA compliments the regular school day with CSMA certified teachers delivering academic, Literacy, Math, Technology, Engineering, Science, enrichment, recreation and wellness programming. The variety of learning opportunities enrich but do not duplicate school day instruction. Carver provides high-quality core educational practices as well as targeted interventions for individual students.

The Carver community is delighted to embrace these bright Bridgeport students, their parents, and the CSMA administration and teachers.

In addition to the photos below, this Facebook photo album has many more!