{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Columbus Park Preparatory Academy","outOfStateSupporters":36.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":3323614,"projectId":8491470,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donation of a classroom table and chairs. Since switching over to tables from desks, I have noticed more collaborative learning in the classroom. I have a high percentage of English language learners, which can be a challenge during instructional and group work. The tables have provided a bridge for all learners to help each other and improve their English language skills by practicing in small groups at their tables. Students enjoy the tables and have voiced their excitement to learn with their peers in a collaborative setting. Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1726176562342,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seating-for-all/8491470/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seating for All","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Savoie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3323614_orig.jpg?crop=597,597,x0,y135&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1663726799756","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3323614"},{"teacherId":5622549,"projectId":8714055,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation of the set of Djembe drums to our elementary music program. Your contribution has made a profound impact on both my students and me, and I am excited to share the incredible changes this has brought to our classroom.\r\n\r\nThe moment the Djembe drums arrived, the students were bursting with excitement. The sight and sound of these instruments are captivating, and they immediately sparked a sense of curiosity and enthusiasm in every child. The drums' vibrant colors and rhythmic tones gave the students a fresh way to engage with music, and it quickly became clear that these instruments were more than just tools for making noise—they opened up new opportunities for learning, creativity, and connection.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, the Djembe drums have had an extraordinary impact in multiple areas. First and foremost, they have transformed how my students approach rhythm and music. Many of my students had little to no experience with percussion instruments before, but the Djembe drums have allowed them to discover the joy of creating rhythms and patterns. For some, it was the first time they were able to produce sounds on an instrument in a way that felt natural and empowering. For others, the drums have provided an outlet to express themselves musically, giving them confidence in their abilities and expanding their understanding of what they can achieve through music.\r\n\r\nBeyond musical skills, the Djembe drums have contributed significantly to building a sense of community in the classroom. As we work together to learn new rhythms, students have learned the importance of collaboration, communication, and patience. Each child has taken turns leading rhythms and listening to one another, which has fostered respect for each other's ideas and contributions. Through group drumming, the students have learned how to work together as a team, understanding that their individual parts contribute to a larger, unified sound.\r\n\r\nThe inclusion of the Djembe drums has also helped enhance our students' cultural awareness. We've taken the opportunity to explore the origins of the Djembe drums in West Africa and the role they play in traditional ceremonies and storytelling. This cultural connection has broadened the students' perspectives, allowing them to appreciate the diversity of the world around them. I have witnessed students become more engaged and curious about music from different cultures, leading to deeper discussions about history, geography, and global traditions.\r\n\r\nYour donation has not only brought excitement and joy to our classroom, but it has also nurtured an environment where creativity, collaboration, and cultural exploration can flourish. The Djembe drums have opened a new chapter in my students' musical education, and they are excited to continue discovering and learning.\r\n\r\nOnce again, thank you so much for your generous donation. Your support has made a meaningful and lasting impact on my students' lives, and we are all so grateful for the opportunity to experience the magic of drumming.","fullyFundedDate":1735657675913,"projectUrl":"project/strike-a-beat-with-african-drumming/8714055/","projectTitle":"Strike a Beat! With African Drumming","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Garcia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5622549_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1533493010407","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5622549"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_63973","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":381,"numTeachers":27,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":6,"percentBlack":10,"percentWhite":19,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":59,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"14.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":63.8,"schoolId":63973,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Columbus Park Preparatory Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Columbus Park Preparatory Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/massachusetts/worcester-public-schools/columbus-park-preparatory-acad/63973"}

Columbus Park Preparatory Academy

Join the 152 supporters who believe in this school.

About this school

Columbus Park Preparatory Academy is an urban public school in Worcester, Massachusetts that is part of Worcester Public Schools. It serves 381 students in grades Pre-K - 6 with a student/teacher ratio of 14.1:1. Its teachers have had 165 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Equity Focus School

Support towards this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Public School

Title 1

Grades Pre-K - 6

381 Students

27 Teachers

75 Lovell St

Worcester, MA 01603 View local requests

http://worcesterschools.org/school/columbus-park-preparatory-academy/

Evidence-based impact

Inspire teachers to stay in the classroom and boost student achievement.¹

Give to this school

Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

Kindergarten teacher at PS81 - Robert J. Christen School in Bronx, NY

Columbus Park Preparatory Academy Teachers on DonorsChoose

DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. Each classroom request for funding was created by a classroom teacher and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

See how DonorsChoose works

Columbus Park Preparatory Academy Demographics

95%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

75%

of students are Black, Latino, Native American, or Asian

Schools in districts that mainly serve students of color receive substantially less state and local support than similar districts that serve primarily White students. Learn more about this gap, why it exists, and how you can help close it.

Columbus Park Preparatory Academy Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Dec 4, 2025

DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.

Columbus Park Preparatory Academy

$116,521

raised using DonorsChoose

165

projects funded

teachers funded

152

donors

projects for basic supplies

projects for technology

projects for books

projects for art supplies

Columbus Park Preparatory Academy has received support from 97 individuals from Massachusetts and 55 individuals out-of-state.

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season! Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.

Columbus Park Preparatory Academy

About this school

Equity Focus School

Columbus Park Preparatory Academy Teachers on DonorsChoose

Share & help us grow support

DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

Columbus Park Preparatory Academy Demographics

Columbus Park Preparatory Academy Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Dec 4, 2025

Columbus Park Preparatory Academy

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season!
Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.