FACILITIES EXPANSION

At our founding in 2011, we searched for a flexible space to rent in Salem but also set a goal to eventually purchase our own space. Through the Foundation of Birches Academy, we’ve held a range of fundraising activities over the years in large part to build our cash reserves to purchase a space to grow our school. Over the past several years, extensive efforts have been made, including collaboration with realtors and financial partners, to find suitable space in the greater Salem area but no options were identified.

After carefully studying the financial benefits and design options, the Birches Board of Trustees voted unanimously to expand our space at 419 S. Broadway by 12,000 square feet as a pathway to purchase the building.

This is the first step in the purchase process. More information will be provided as details are finalized.

Additional space will be acquired within the current facility, starting with the 2024-2025 school year. The first major change will be to move into the area currently occupied by Bull Moose.

We are working closely with an architect to roll out a multi-year enhancements to improve functional design.

This will be a multiyear renovation project. We will start with developing the new spaces on the first floor. Over the next few years we will renovate the existing spaces on the second floor.

We will move reception down to the first floor for enhanced safety measures.

We have received federal safety grants for cameras, etc. that will allow us to continually enhance the safety of our entire school community.

We will look at other ways to enhance our external facade from a safety perspective; this may require fundraising.

We plan to expand our green space/play space. Details are being worked out and will be announced/rolled out over time.

We are looking at multiple layout options with a priority to offer more open flow to allow for more flexible opportunities for learning/meeting/gathering for small group spots, specialists, tutoring, etc.

We’re looking for into specific rooms/options including indoor play spaces, free spaces for stress release and a library, as well as putting cafeteria space will be created within the gym area.

We began with 88 students and now serve 237. Though we’ve added space since our opening, including the room known as The Woods and the kindergarten rooms, we still have needs to physically expand to meet the needs of out students and offer an enhanced, enriched curriculum. Our wait list is currently larger than our enrollment.

No. Our charter was expanded to accommodate up to 300 students in 2022, but there are no plans to grow beyond this. It’s important to us to limit numbers to maintain the school's small size, which is integral to its culture and community feel.