March 2026 High-Profile Focus: Schools and Institutions 17

Roxbury Preparatory Charter School / Photos by Ed Wonsek

Boston— SMMA and JGE Architecture + Design recently announced the completion of the new Roxbury Preparatory Charter School campus, an 83,500sf, net-zero-energy-ready, LEED v4 Gold-certifiable academic facility that unites grades 6 through 12 under one roof for the first time in the school’ s history.

Located in Boston’ s Newmarket district, the 4-story school replaces years of instruction delivered in converted retail and office spaces. Designed collaboratively by SMMA and JGE, and constructed by Suffolk Construction, the campus is designed to provide a modern, resilient learning environment for a student population that is 99 % minority.

The building consolidates previously separate middle and high school programs into a cohesive academic community. Daylit classrooms, collaboration zones, a flexible performing arts space that can also be used as a full gymnasium, and state-of-the-art science labs support both rigorous academics, creative growth and health and wellness. Upper levels frame north-facing views of the Boston skyline as an aspirational backdrop, while southern exposures connect students to Roxbury and the revitalized Clifford Park across the street.

As exterior design and public realm architect, JGE Architecture + Design focused on how the building engages its surroundings, shaping arrival sequences, strengthening safety and clarity along the

Roxbury Preparatory Charter School

streetscape, and establishing a welcoming civic presence within an industrial district undergoing reinvestment. The project also catalyzes broader neighborhood renewal, including the complete reconstruction of Clifford Park, scheduled to open in fall 2026 with upgraded athletic fields and courts.

Built to meet the City of Boston’ s standards for sustainability and climate resilience, the all-electric facility is designed to achieve LEED v4 Gold certification and is net-zero-energy ready. Roxbury Prep was completed and opened for the fall 2025 academic year.

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