Trenton preps new charter school on Martin Luther King Boulevard

Local leaders, including Mayor Reed Gusciora, Ewing Mayor, Bert H. Steinmann, City Council President Teska Frisby, educators, students, and residents gathered at 1289 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd in Trenton on Wednesday to celebrate the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Paul Robeson School Charter School building. 

The long-awaited project will be built on land that sat vacant for decades. The 55,000 square foot facility will house 38 classrooms, state-of-the-art science lab, gymnasium, cafeteria, food pantry, outdoor recreation space, ample parking, and an education program centered on civic engagement. Construction of the school is expected to be completed in 2025. 

Founded in 2008, the Paul Robeson Charter School is a free, lottery-based, open-enrollment school currently based at the St. Hedwig campus in Trenton. The school’s mission is to provide a personalized education that challenges, engages and prepares students to passionately pursue their dreams and lead a life of active civic engagement. 

“Anyone who applies is eligible for a seat depending upon space available. We are opening our applications in December for grades K and 1. We also have several open houses that are scheduled for the public [to learn more] about the school,” said Paul Robeson Executive Director John Amenda. There will be an additional 50 spaces opening up next year for kindergarten and 50 spaces for first grade. The following year there will be 75 [spaces] per grades one and two.  The new campus promises to increase enrollment to 675 students, and impact the local community through job creation. 

“About four years ago we started a project to envision a world class facility for all of our students which will serve grades K through 8 in [the] building by 2025,” Amenda said, later adding, “This school represents so much more than brick and mortar. It represents hope [and] possibility. It’s  a true testament to the commitment to Paul Robeson Charter School and all of the stakeholders in Trenton and the value placed on education.”