Our core values are at the heart of everything we do, and everything that we aim to instill in PROUD students.

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.’