The students at Classical Studies Magnet Academy (CSMA)
For another successful year, The Carver was proud to partner with Classical Studies Magnet Academy (CSMA) in Bridgeport to provide extended-day learning opportunities that helped students grow academically, creatively, and socially. Thanks to the continued support of the Bridgeport Board of Education and the extraordinary generosity of the John and Ethel Kashulon Foundation, hundreds of students benefited from a rich after-school experience that extended learning well beyond the traditional school day.
Located on Bridgeport's West Side, Classical Studies Magnet Academy is a unique Pre-K through 8th-grade public school serving more than 400 students. Housed in the oldest school building still in use by the district—a historic 123-year-old structure—CSMA combines classical literature, art, music, project-based learning, and the Paideia instructional approach to create a distinctive educational experience for its students.
Throughout the 2025-2026 school year, Carver's extended-day program complemented that mission by providing academic support, STEAM exploration, enrichment opportunities, and family engagement activities designed to help students thrive.
A major focus of the program was literacy. Students participated in grade-level novel studies featuring books such as Cricket in Times Square, The BFG, The Doughnut Fix, and The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora. Through guided reading, discussion, writing activities, presentations, and creative projects, students strengthened reading comprehension while exploring themes of friendship, perseverance, entrepreneurship, community, and identity.
Academic tutoring also emphasized math fluency and problem-solving. Teachers incorporated games, puzzles, and collaborative activities that helped students build confidence while developing critical thinking skills in a supportive environment.
Beyond academics, students had opportunities to explore a remarkable range of enrichment activities. Coding, robotics, science investigations, art, cartooning, cooking, astronomy, fitness, jewelry-making, origami, board games, meditation, and dance were just some of the options available to students throughout the year. The program encouraged young people to discover new interests, develop talents, and build meaningful connections with their peers.
Students also collaborated across grade levels on hands-on STEAM challenges, working together to design inventions that addressed real-world problems. These projects fostered creativity, teamwork, communication, and innovation while demonstrating that learning can be both rigorous and fun.
Family engagement remained an important part of the program as well. Events such as the school's "Lights, Camera, Literacy" Family Night brought families together to celebrate reading, storytelling, and learning while strengthening the connection between school and home.
The Carver extends its deepest gratitude to the City of Bridgeport for its continued partnership and commitment to providing high-quality opportunities for Bridgeport students. We are especially thankful to the John and Ethel Kashulon Foundation, whose steadfast support has helped sustain this work year after year.
The foundation's mission is to improve lives by expanding educational, children's, and cultural opportunities—values that perfectly align with the goals of this partnership. The foundation was established in memory of John and Ethel Kashulon, lifelong Bridgeport residents whose legacy continues to create opportunities for young people throughout the city. Carver is honored to remain one of the organizations entrusted to carry that legacy forward.
Together, with dedicated educators, engaged families, community partners, and generous supporters, we are helping students build the skills, confidence, and curiosity they need to succeed in school and beyond. We look forward to continuing this important work at Classical Studies Magnet Academy for many years to come.
