By Sam Cavanaugh

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Boston’s educational landscape just received a significant boost with the opening of the William E. Carter School, a specialized facility for students with severe disabilities and complex medical needs. In a joint effort, Mayor Michelle Wu, Boston Public Schools Superintendent Mary Skipper, and State Treasurer Deb Goldberg unveiled the new $111.4 million school, which promises to be a beacon of inclusive education. The project saw substantial backing from the Massachusetts School Building Authority, contributing $30.5 million, as reported by the City of Boston’s official news release.

Designed to not just accommodate but to truly embrace and uplift its students, the Carter School aims to quickly expand its enrollment, going from 25 to 60 students, while also introducing an early childhood program. The newly constructed building is equipped with diverse features such as a zero-entry pool, a half-court gym, and dedicated therapy spaces. As Mayor Wu expressed, “We are beyond excited to welcome Carter students to this new, upgraded school building.” She went on to affirm that students thrive notably when in learning spaces that to respond directly to their needs, according to a statement obtained by the City of Boston.

The school’s innovative design includes strategies for natural lighting, acoustic buffering, and sensory-centered materials – all painstakingly selected to support the learning and development of the students. Perkins&Will led the architectural charge, while LiRo-Hill and Bond Building Construction managed and executed the project. Championing the notion that the built environment can deeply impact educational outcomes, Mayor Wu along with her team have delivered a school that stands as a testament to thoughtful, inclusive school design.

Superintendent Mary Skipper outlined the ethos behind the Carter School, noting, “In collaboration with the City of Boston, Boston Public Schools has combined innovative programming with thoughtful, research-driven design to ensure we are delivering accessible and transformative learning experiences.” This sentiment echoes across the new facility, aiming to remove barriers and embolden students to confidently explore their potential. In a statement obtained by the City of Boston, Principal O’Connor remarked on the proactive involvement in the design process, “Our new building is already showing what’s possible when we center decisions and planning around our students with the highest needs and focus on their access to learning.”

The opening ceremony not only marks a milestone for Boston’s commitment to inclusive education but also underlines the city’s dedication to creating environmentally responsible, energy-efficient, and health-promoting spaces as the school strides toward LEED Gold certification.