Roxbury Prep’s story is one of persistence and adaptability.
Initial plans to build the school—with its 99% minority enrollment—on the border of West Roxbury and Roslindale were abandoned in 2018 following local neighborhood opposition to the proposed site. After three years of searching for an alternative location, a new site was identified on a former light-industrial site on the northern side of Roxbury. Overcoming considerable budget and schedule challenges due to unsuitable soil conditions, construction finished in time for the new building to be occupied for the Fall 2025 school year.
For the first time, Roxbury Prep’s students have access to modern amenities.
These include a full gymnasium, performing arts spaces, and state-of-the-art science labs. Flexible learning spaces include breakout areas and collaborative zones that encourage group work, project-based learning, and teacher-student interaction.
North-facing views from the upper levels of the four-story school provide the aspirational context of the downtown Boston skyline. South-facing views reveal the verdant outdoor amenities of Clifford Park and the surrounding Roxbury neighborhood.
The LEED v4 Gold-certifiable facility meets the high standards of sustainability and climate resiliency set by the City of Boston. The building is net zero ready and boasts an all-electric HVAC system.
Roxbury Prep is proving a catalyst for redevelopment in the Newmarket area.
A brand-new Clifford Park is scheduled to open directly across the street from the new school facility in Fall 2026. The park will provide opportunities for outdoor activities associated with the school. Students will enjoy access to upgraded to fields, basketball courts, and tennis courts.
Local community organizations such as the City of Boston Mason School and The Base urban sports academy are set to reap the benefits of a revitalized neighborhood—a process kickstarted by the substantial infrastructure project that is Roxbury Prep.
