This letter was submitted by leadership at the Benjamin Banneker Charter Public School.
The Benjamin Banneker Charter Public School, recognized for its focus on education for K-6 students, is thrilled to announce the acquisition of the former Matignon High School campus in Cambridge. This milestone represents an expansion of the Banneker school community and a culmination of nearly three decades of dedication to academic excellence, equity and opportunity for all students regardless of race, socioeconomic status, culture, native language, gender or sexual orientation.
The Banneker school was chartered in 1996 by a dedicated group of local business owners, educators and parents who believed the Cambridge Public School System was not adequately serving Black and Brown students. Named after the legendary African-American mathematician Benjamin Banneker, the school began with a mission to create a learning environment in which diversity, representation and academic rigor would be celebrated and fostered. From its inception, the school sought to empower students through high-quality science and mathematics education while addressing the equity gap in the local public education system.
According to the latest Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System results, Banneker is among Massachusetts’s highest-ranked 3-8 districts in English Language Arts, mathematics and science. This distinction indicates the institution’s unwavering dedication to academic excellence and commitment to closing the achievement gap for underprivileged students. The students’ exceptional MCAS performance is a testament to Banneker’s individualized instruction, rigorous curriculum and supportive learning environments. Banneker is dedicated to inspiring future generations by consistently cultivating a culture of support and excellence, ensuring that every child can achieve their full potential and thrive academically.
Although Banneker is one of Massachusetts’s highest-performing elementary schools, high achievement on standardized tests such as the MCAS is not the only goal. Banneker’s ultimate goal is to nurture lifelong learners who understand themselves and their place in the world around them. In addition to providing our students with a rigorous standards-based curriculum focused on the science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects, our students enjoy a wide range of extracurricular opportunities such as visual and performing arts, numerous field trips and outdoor experiences, including skiing, camping, canoeing and horseback riding. We are deeply committed to creating an environment in which learning is fun and joyful – an environment in which children see themselves as readers, writers, mathematicians, scientists, artists and critical thinkers.
Over the years, Banneker has consistently delivered on its mission, becoming a pillar of educational success and innovation. Its achievements include the prestigious Blue Ribbon Award in 2023, multiple commendations for excellence, the highly esteemed Pozen Prize and recently earning the title of the top 3-8 school district in Massachusetts in English Language Arts and mathematics, as measured by the MCAS.
The journey to a “forever home”
In its quest for growth and sustainability, Banneker pursued the acquisition of the Matignon campus from the Archdiocese of Boston. The decision was reached after extensive and rigorous vetting, including proposal submissions, archdiocese presentations and in-depth interviews highlighting the school’s vision and community impact. This acquisition marks a significant milestone in the history of the Banneker community, providing a consolidated space where all students and staff can be under one roof and fostering an environment where the school’s vibrant culture of excellence and community can flourish.
The school’s executive director, Sherley Bretous, who has dedicated 29 years to Banneker’s mission, called the acquisition “a transformative step forward for our students, families and the broader educational community.”
“This new campus embodies our commitment to academic excellence, innovation and equitable access to educational resources, allowing us to expand our vision and deepen our impact. With significantly enhanced facilities and learning spaces, we are better positioned than ever to support our students’ growth, inspire curiosity and cultivate future-ready skills,” Bretous said.
The Matignon campus offers Banneker the room and resources to extend our curriculum, enrich our extracurricular offerings, and provide our students with environments that foster engagement and achievement. Additionally, this expansion reinforces our commitment to closing the achievement gap as we create more opportunities for collaboration, mentorship and academic rigor. “Our school community now has a space that reflects our high aspirations for each student, ensuring they are empowered to reach their full potential. This acquisition stands as a testament to our dedication to sustainable growth and innovation, securing a bright future for our school and reinforcing our role as a model of educational equity and excellence in Massachusetts,” Bretous said. Her statement captures the spirit of the school’s journey and the optimism surrounding this new phase.
Community partnership and achievement
Banneker’s journey to the Matignon campus would not have been possible without its stakeholders’ dedicated support and partnership. Special thanks go to the board of trustees for their confidence in this endeavor, the staff and administration for their unwavering support and encouragement and the parents who have been integral to the Banneker community throughout this process. Additionally, Salem Five Bank played a pivotal role in supporting this small but ambitious school, while the Boston Foundation offered critical support to make the acquisition possible. Banneker’s closing counsel, Sheryl Howard, deserves heartfelt gratitude for guiding the school through every step of the acquisition process.
Matignon’s legacy, Banneker’s commitment
While Matignon High School may have closed its doors, its legacy of educational excellence lives on, now in partnership with Banneker. “We are honored to carry the baton, representing the importance of education, our dedication to the community and our belief in the power of representation,” Bretous said. This acquisition preserves a cherished educational space and marks the beginning of a new legacy for the Banneker community.
The acquisition of Matignon, however, is just the beginning. Transforming the campus to accommodate the needs of Banneker’s K-6 students will require careful planning and dedicated effort. “We are excited but recognize that the work is just beginning,” Bretous said. In the coming months, Banneker will collaborate with the cities of Cambridge and Somerville and contractors to bring the campus up to code and ensure it is suitable for elementary students. This will involve creating age-appropriate learning spaces, recreational areas and modern facilities that meet current standards for health, safety and accessibility.
A bold future
With the acquisition of the Matignon campus, Banneker’s dream of a permanent home has been realized. The move reinforces the school’s long-standing commitment to serving as an academic sanctuary where students are inspired to learn, explore and grow. As Banneker enters this exciting new chapter, the school community is filled with optimism for the future and deep gratitude for the support it has received. This latest chapter will support Banneker’s vision for equitable, high-quality STEM education to flourish and impact future generations.
Through this acquisition, Banneker gains a home and strengthens its ability to uphold its mission in Cambridge, advancing its tradition of excellence, representation and service to the community. The legacy of Banneker and Matignon will live on, woven together in the halls of this beloved institution, as a beacon of opportunity and educational excellence in Cambridge.
A stronger
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This is a press release. Not cool.
How was this transition financed ? Why are there so few Cambridge kids attending Banneker these days? Is it still focused on Black students, which was its original mission? What will happen to its former campus on Rindge Avenue?
Agreed. PR, plain and simple. Sad to see what was once one of the highest ranking Catholic schools closed for good. Replacement, an elite school when the city is in dire need for housing? This piece of real estate is massive with a football field in the rear, a big parking lot and front lawn.
Did the city even entertain a bid??