Essex Street Academy is incredible because it has an incredible staff serving a wonderful group of students both in and out of the classroom.

Staff awaken and fuel the ambition and curiosity of these young people by providing engaging opportunities for exploration and discovery, but now, sudden federal budget cuts mean ESA kids could lose programs, opportunities, and enrichments that inspire creativity, confidence, and joy.

We need your help to preserve:

Our Big Sibs Overnight trips, where new students can bond and grow into our community, while older students grow through mentoring and leadership
Expansion of our unusually extensive post-secondary support, including overnight college trips, application assistance, help with deposits, etc.
A vibrant and beloved music program led by a seasoned musician. Your support includes purchasing and maintaining our large collection of instruments
Scholarships for our study abroad programs, including this year’s trips to Mexico City and Quebec
A massive club and after-school enrichment program that includes everything from Crochet to Mock Trial to Girls Soccer to Community Service and many more
Assurance that all students can enjoy senior activities, regardless of ability to pay, including the Senior Trip, Prom and Graduation
Celebrations of our Staff, which ensure everyone feels valued – one reason our most seasoned and beloved teachers rarely leave
Student-Led endeavors including our monthly Town Meeting productions, the Winter Formal, the Spring Fling, Community Day, and our end-of-year BBQ
Scholarships for all school field trips, including our annual ice-skating trip, enrichment trips during panels week and all instructional trips
School and office supplies for the community

We can ensure these programs continue this year with just $165,000. We’re asking every ESA family to reach out to your own circle of neighbors, extended family, friends, employers, and the businesses you support to consider donating. And don't forget to check if your employer matches gifts to double the impact!

We know that our diverse community is filled with creative, innovative thinkers, and we would love to hear your fundraising ideas, have your input, and secure your support.

These are trying times for all of us. These challenges also present a unique opportunity to build our own vision of how we can sustain our commitment to high-quality education.

Working together on our common goal – the ESA community – can bring us together now more than ever.

Please consider making a monthly commitment to our YEARLONG APPEAL. If even half of our 360 families donated $25/month, we could raise almost $40,000 by June.

It is easy to set up a recurring payment via Butter.

Any amount is welcome!

Annual Appeal 2026