A Safe & Welcoming Home for Every Family
It’s a simple notion: Young people should be able to receive a quality education in a compassionate, safe, and affirming school.
Yet every day, we hear from parents just like you that their children are struggling at school simply because of who they are.
PROUD Academy is a one-of-a-kind, much-needed, truly inclusive school with the needs and interests of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning (LGBTQ+) youth and their allies in the mind, heart, and soul of our learning community.
![Screenshot 2023-11-09 at 10.21.30 AM](https://90eaf7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Screenshot-2023-11-09-at-10.21.30-AM.png)
Curious how your child will shine at PROUD Academy?
Inclusive Curriculum
We’re committed to addressing the personal development of students, including their physical, emotional, and social development.
Our engaging and diverse curriculum, which includes the LGBTQ+ History Unerased curriculum developed by queer educator, Deb Fowler, and the race-focused Self-Evident Education program, aims to prepare students to excel in school and in life – as lifelong learners, responsible citizens, and effective leaders within their communities.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
We are proud to have the potential to start PROUD Academy in our formative years at The Boys & Girls Club in Ansonia. The building is a secure facility equipped with a modern security system including cameras, alarms, and buzz-in entry.
The location occupies a beautiful 32,000 square-foot facility equipped with a full-size gymnasium, an outdoor recreation area, spacious classrooms, and a warm, inviting atmosphere that will complement our inclusive curriculum.
Afterschool Programming
We are pleased to offer PROUD Academy students opportunities to engage in after school programs. In partnership with students, parents, and teachers, we are considering exploring:
- Yoga and Mindfulness Classes
- Peer Mediation Training
- Youth Stonewall Speaker Training
- Art Classes
- Musical Theater Programs/ Drama
Get Involved
To make our dream of opening New England’s first school geared for LGBTQ+ youth and their allies a reality – we need your help!
![Screenshot 2023-11-09 at 5.57.21 PM](https://90eaf7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Screenshot-2023-11-09-at-5.57.21-PM.png)
Supporting Your Family
Every Step of the Way
We’re here to help support your whole family on your journey at PROUD Academy.
Our safe, holistic services bring together your family, community-based partners, natural support systems, and academic personnel to develop a plan of support that is unique to your family’s specific needs.
Have questions about PROUD Academy?
Ready to Enroll?
We are accepting applications for middle school students.
PROUD News
CT’s first LGBTQ+ school hopes to open soon
ANSONIA, CT (WFSB) – It would be the first of its kind in New England. Ansonia’s Proud Academy is slated to be the first LGBTQ+ school where everyone is welcomed. They have the building and the teachers; they just need enough students to open. “Growing up I was always
Conn.’s first school for LGBTQ+ students coming to New Haven
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — Connecticut’s first school created specifically for LGBTQ+ students is opening in New Haven. It’s called the PROUD Academy, founded by former teacher and principal Patricia Nicolari. She wanted to create a safe space for LGBTQ+ students and allies to learn without being bullied for how
Schools for LGBTQ+ students aim to create ‘safe space’
A new type of school is emerging and attracting lots of attention recently: Schools specifically designed for students who identify as LGBTQ+. Inside this century-old building, a new school is taking shape. “Proud Academy will be Connecticut, and actually New England’s first school for LGBTQ youth and their allies,”
PROUD Academy to open in Ansonia
The doors will soon open at PROUD Academy in Ansonia. The LGBTQ+ middle school will operate out of The Boys and Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley. “It gives us a start, it is turn key, ready to go,” PROUD Academy Founder Patty Nicolari said. Nicolari has about
Ansonia Teacher starts LGBTQ school, first of its kind in Connecticut
The first LGBTQ school is coming to Connecticut this fall. It was started by a woman who faced many of the same hardships as the students she hopes to protect. Ansonia Teacher Patty Nicolari came out in 1997. It was the same day that Ellen DeGeneres came out as
First LGBTQ+ school set to open Connecticut
NEW HAVEN, Conn. — “Sometimes we want to create what we didn’t have. And so that’s what I’m doing,” said Patrica, “Patty” Nicolari. Nicolari spent years inside the Ansonia school district as an educator and school principal. Beyond her passion for education is the desire to provide a safe space. It’s
Pride is Everywhere: A Celebration of LGBTQ+ Visibility
This special show remembers the legacy of the 1969 Stonewall Riots and honors the month the LGBTQ+ community celebrates the freedom to be themselves.