Gardner Pilot Academy Foundation Inc.

As a Boston Public School, the Gardner Pilot Academy  (GPA) serves nearly 400 students from age 3 to grade 8.  Over 90% of our students are identified as high-needs by the state, meaning many live far below the poverty line and many have directly experienced trauma. 

Since mid-March 2020, almost 100 of our students have been severely impacted by the pandemic:
- More than 70 families have developed significant food and financial needs due to lost jobs and income
- Almost 20 students have been identified as newly homeless or living in inadequate housing
- To date, two students have lost family members to COVID-19

As a full-service community school, GPA partners with community-based organizations to coordinate supports and services for students.  The financial needs are extensive, however, and many families are undocumented and not eligible for federal-, state-, or city-associated funds or loans.  Even if they are,  they are fearful that the lack of clarity about eligibility could put their efforts to gain citizenship at risk. 

Therefore, the GPA Family Council has started this GoFundMe to provide families-in-need with:
- Resources for food, rent, utilities, and funeral expenses to meet basic living needs 
- Supplies for books and other materials so that students can keep learning despite these challenges

Please help us help our fellow families and their children!  Any amount that you can spare will make a huge difference to the lives of GPA families and students.  Everyday at school, GPA scholars learn to be KIND, CARING, and INCLUSIVE, and your donation will be a true reflection of those values.

The Gardner Pilot Academy Adult Education Program in Allston-Brighton provides free English classes with childcare at no cost and is open to adult immigrants in the Boston area, regardless of immigration status. Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, many of our students are unable to work and are grappling with the immediate loss of income. Those with undocumented immigration status will not be eligible for the Boston Resiliency Fund or other emergency funds. 

Would you support our ESOL students and their families by donating to provide emergency relief for rent, groceries, utilities, or other necessities? The funds will be disbursed only to our students and according to need.

The mission of Gardner Pilot Academy (GPA) is to provide quality learning and social opportunities for our diverse student body, engage families, and offer health and community services through innovative programs and partnerships. In order to achieve its mission, GPA makes a strong effort to support families in their child's education and engage community members in the school environment. As connected to this mission, the goals of the Adult Education Program at the GPA are: (1) to promote adult literacy, (2) to connect adults to the workforce and community resources, (3) to empower them in the community to advocate for themselves and their family. Please consider making a donation in the denomination you can afford to support these families in their time of need.

Support like yours helps families stay safe, food secure, and housed during this global pandemic.

Students and volunteers review their lesson in an intermediate English class.

Students practice dictation in a beginner English class.


Student assemble for the "Know Your Rights" immigration workshop.


Children of adult participants create crafts while in childcare.


Sample of student writing.