We’re a safe and inclusive school for LGBTQ+ students and their allies.
Our Mission
PROUD Academy will inclusively educate LGBTQ+ students and their allies in a safe and affirming learning community, free from bullying and harassment. We are a mosaic community in which students thrive in the truth and strength of their identities and self-expression.
Our Vision
Is that all PROUD students are empowered to take their rightful place in shaping a positive and accepting world.
Our core values are at the heart of everything we do, and everything that we aim to instill in PROUD students.
Persevere to be the best version of yourself, engaging in an inclusive curriculum, confidently interacting with others, and advocating for your social-emotional needs.
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Respect yourself and others, recognizing the value in each person while embracing the diversity within and outside of our learning community.
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Open-mindedly commit to bridging understanding and practicing peaceful problem-solving.
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Unapologetically and proudly acknowledge that you are your strength, encouraging others to share themselves openly throughout their life.
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Demonstrate truth and strength in your identity and voice through social engagement and advocacy.
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Making History as an Inclusive School Community for LGBTQ+ Students
Our founder, Patricia Nicolari, was an educator, principal, and mentor for over 40 years before starting PROUD Academy. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community herself, Patricia has experienced harassment firsthand and understands how difficult it is to be in a school atmosphere that does not feel safe for coming out, either as a student or a teacher.
Realizing how empowering it is to live freely as your authentic self, Patty was motivated to open a school focused on creating the safest, most affirming learning environment for LGBTQ+ youth. And that’s PROUD Academy – Connecticut’s first school for LGBTQ+ students and their allies. It’s a space where all students can be their true selves 100% of the time.
Proud Academy, Inc was Incorporated as a non-profit in June 2021. The PROUD Academy Board of Directors is eager to open its doors as soon as the needs of students who would benefit from this learning community can best be met.
Meet Our Team
PROUD Academy has been Patty’s vision for LGBTQ+ youth and their allies after working with youth in education and nonprofits throughout her 40-year career. Patty has four degrees from SCSU. She holds a BS in Physical Education, an MS in Community Health, a Sixth Year in Educational Foundations, and another Sixth Year in Administration/Supervision, and presently holds an 092 certificate in Educational Leadership.
Patty has always been actively/progressively involved in her community. However, that passion escalated after coming out publicly as a teacher in 1997, alongside the brave move of Ellen DeGeneres. She was featured in the New Haven Register article, “Ellen is Out and so is Ms. Nic.” Patty even received a call from GMA’s Robin Roberts, then a host of 20/20, for consideration to be featured on the TV show as an “out” teacher. Patty felt this newfound confidence liberating.
The freedom to be authentic became the catalyst for Patty to create change in the educational environment for LGBTQ+ students, teachers, and staff. The most powerful part of coming out as a teacher was the outpouring of students who now felt safe enough to disclose their own sexual orientation/gender identity (SOGI) or that of a relative.
As a result of coming out, Patty started her high school’s first GSA and organized the first Day of Silence. She joined the GLSEN Board of Directors, became a Stonewall Speaker, facilitated support groups for youth and closeted teachers at the New Haven Pride Center, and presented workshops across the country in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Washington, and CT, on the topic of “How to Create a Safe School for all Students Regardless of SOGI.” Additionally, Patty presented a workshop for actor Hill Harper’s nonprofit, ‘Manifest Your Destiny,’ for 8th graders in LA on the topic, ‘Academic Success Strategies.’
Read More About Patty
Patty was interviewed by Faith Middleton on NPR, was a recipient of a Dorothy Award for her LGBTQ+ community involvement, and had her story published with other LGBTQ educators in Kevin Jennings’ book, “One Teacher in 10.” Kevin was the Founder/ED of GLSEN, and under the Obama administration as an assistant deputy secretary at the US Department of Education.
Patty’s experience as an educator ranges from working with marginalized youth as a teacher in an AIC (Alternative to Incarceration) program in Bridgeport, an administrator of an alternative school for grades 7-12, to higher education as an adjunct professor at WCSU. In 2004, Patty was named Teacher of the Year in Ansonia.
Patty’s nonprofit work includes being the director of a mentoring program for youth involved with juvenile probation and DCF foster care. Patty was also a foster parent. She has volunteered on the Governor’s Prevention Partnership LGBTQ+ Advisory Board and presently serves on the New Haven/Hamden Juvenile Review Board.
Patty’s lived experience, “in and out” of the LGBTQ+ family, coupled with her careers in education and nonprofits, have led her to this moment in time. PROUD Academy is eager to join the ranks of Harvey Milk High School, The Alliance, Magic City Acceptance Academy, and Albert Einstein Academy to create a safe and affirming educational option for CT’s LGBTQ+ youth/allies.
Board of Directors
When creating our Board of Directors, it was important that our team reflected the diversity of the youth we wish to teach. Our Board is a uniquely diverse group of passionate individuals who are dedicated to the mission of PROUD Academy.