Building Our Future, Together

This was a defining chapter in Boston Arts Academy’s history. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our community, the Building Our Future Comprehensive Campaign closed on June 30, 2025, having raised an unprecedented $35+ million. This achievement is not an endpoint—it is a launchpad. Together, we have secured vital resources that will empower Boston’s most talented young artists today, while laying the groundwork for the continued investment and innovation needed to ensure their futures remain bright.

Overview

The City of Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts generously funded the state-of-the-art Boston Arts Academy facility at 174 Ipswich Street, which opened in September 2022.

With rehearsal studios, high-tech fashion and fine art studios, a STEAM laboratory, a rooftop recital hall, professional theatres, and more, the building provides a world-class environment worthy of our students’ talent. But a beautiful building is only the beginning. A vibrant school needs exceptional faculty and staff. It must be alive with programs, innovation, and access to the latest technology and equipment.

Through the Building Our Future Comprehensive Campaign, our community raised more than $35 million to sustain and strengthen Boston Arts Academy’s arts-intensive, college-preparatory curriculum. This achievement ensures that today’s students—and generations to come—have the tools to achieve their full potential.

Campaign Goal

$36M

Campaign Progress

36Million+ Raised

100%

Continuing the Momentum

The Building Our Future Comprehensive Campaign was launched to continue to fully fund Boston Arts Academy’s school budget and to ensure long-term sustainability. The support for this campaign ensures that Boston’s youth have access to equitable education and the ability to attend the finest arts high school in the country:

Transformative STEAM (STEM+Art) experiences
Enhanced artistic offerings and experiences
Vibrant curricula from professionals in arts and academics
Academic and social-emotional supports to ensure all students achieve their potential

The close of the campaign marks a new chapter—not an end. Each year, Boston Arts Academy Foundation relies on donors to fuel opportunity, innovation, and access for every student. Together, we can ensure that BAA remains a place where creativity and excellence thrive.

How We Got Here

In the fall of 2018, Dr. Anne R. Clark, Head of Boston Arts Academy, invited Boston Arts Academy Foundation to launch a campaign to secure the school’s long-term financial sustainability. In partnership with Denella J. Clark, Dr. Lee Pelton, and city leaders including former Mayor Marty J. Walsh and former Boston Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Tommy Chang, the Comprehensive Campaign was formally approved and managed by the Foundation, ensuring careful stewardship of every gift. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of more than 4,000 donors, the Building Our Future Comprehensive Campaign successfully raised more than $35 million over seven years. This milestone has provided critical resources to strengthen our arts-intensive, college-preparatory programs and to ensure that Boston’s most talented young artists have the tools and opportunities to thrive—today and for generations to come.

Talent is equally distributed in society, but opportunity is not.

Help us change that reality in Boston.

FAQ

If the City and Commonwealth are funding the new facility, why is a campaign necessary?

The new building is being funded in part by the Massachusetts School Building Authority and the city of Boston. Boston Arts Academy Foundation helps bridge the gap between the school’s allocation from the Boston Public Schools and the actual cost of a high-quality education that is both arts-intensive and college preparatory.

Will funding from Boston Public Schools change as a result of the campaign?

No. The construction of the new school building did not change the Boston Public School’s funding formula. That’s why Boston Arts Academy Foundation launched the Comprehensive Campaign.

What are the campaign’s goals?

Through the seven-year, comprehensive campaign, BAA Foundation is raising $35 million to augment Boston Arts Academy’s school budget and ensure long-term financial sustainability.

What is the campaign’s timeframe?

The campaign is scheduled to end by June 30, 2025. All donations and pledges made by June 30, 2025 will be counted as part of the Comprehensive Campaign. Pledge payments must be completed by June 30, 2027.

Are there ways to contribute other than cash?

Boston Arts Academy Foundation is offering a variety of donation opportunities for Comprehensive Campaign. In addition to cash and pledges that must be paid by June 30, 2027, Boston Arts Academy Foundation can accept appreciated stocks, charitable remainder trusts, charitable gift annuities, and gifts of life insurance.