May 6, 2026
May 6, 2026
Dear Capital Prep Families, Staff, Students, and Community Partners,
Thank you to everyone who took the time to share feedback regarding the proposed shift to a traditional school calendar. We had strong participation across all stakeholder groups, and the responses provided clear, consistent direction.
Across families, staff, students, and community partners, there is broad support for Capital Prep to align with the traditional Hartford Public Schools calendar. While each group brought a unique perspective, several common themes emerged.
Families and students emphasized the importance of alignment with other schools. Many shared that the current schedule creates challenges with summer programming, and coordinating schedules with siblings and peers. A traditional calendar was seen as a way to bring greater consistency and balance to family life.
Students also expressed strong support for a later start to the school year, noting that it would allow them to participate in summer employment, internships, and enrichment opportunities. Many shared that beginning school after a full summer break would help them feel more rested, focused, and prepared to engage.
Staff feedback highlighted the connection between this shift and long-term sustainability. Many noted that alignment with the district calendar would improve access to professional learning, strengthen collaboration, and support recruitment and retention by bringing Capital Prep in line with traditional hiring cycles.
Community partners similarly supported greater alignment, noting that it would strengthen coordination and expand opportunities for collaboration. At the same time, partners emphasized the importance of maintaining Capital Prep’s identity and ensuring that our college preparatory and social justice mission remains central.
In addition to this strong support, the district and school leaders worked collaboratively to address the most significant concerns of staff compensation, and access to summer programming for families.
Based on this feedback and the school's broader needs, we will move forward with transitioning to Hartford Public Schools Academic Calendar with the first day of school on August 25, 2026.
Our focus now shifts to planning for a thoughtful and well-supported transition. This includes preserving the core elements that define Capital Prep, including our commitment to college readiness, strong relationships, and a social justice-centered approach, while ensuring that the practical needs of our students, families, and staff are addressed.
Additional updates and next steps will be shared in the coming weeks as we prepare for the 2026–2027 school year.
Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to Capital Prep.
Dr. Kitisa Ferguson
Principal
Capital Preparatory Magnet School
Dear Capital Prep Families, Staff, Students, and Community Partners,
Thank you to everyone who took the time to share feedback regarding the proposed shift to a traditional school calendar. We had strong participation across all stakeholder groups, and the responses provided clear, consistent direction.
Across families, staff, students, and community partners, there is broad support for Capital Prep to align with the traditional Hartford Public Schools calendar. While each group brought a unique perspective, several common themes emerged.
Families and students emphasized the importance of alignment with other schools. Many shared that the current schedule creates challenges with summer programming, and coordinating schedules with siblings and peers. A traditional calendar was seen as a way to bring greater consistency and balance to family life.
Students also expressed strong support for a later start to the school year, noting that it would allow them to participate in summer employment, internships, and enrichment opportunities. Many shared that beginning school after a full summer break would help them feel more rested, focused, and prepared to engage.
Staff feedback highlighted the connection between this shift and long-term sustainability. Many noted that alignment with the district calendar would improve access to professional learning, strengthen collaboration, and support recruitment and retention by bringing Capital Prep in line with traditional hiring cycles.
Community partners similarly supported greater alignment, noting that it would strengthen coordination and expand opportunities for collaboration. At the same time, partners emphasized the importance of maintaining Capital Prep’s identity and ensuring that our college preparatory and social justice mission remains central.
In addition to this strong support, the district and school leaders worked collaboratively to address the most significant concerns of staff compensation, and access to summer programming for families.
Based on this feedback and the school's broader needs, we will move forward with transitioning to Hartford Public Schools Academic Calendar with the first day of school on August 25, 2026.
Our focus now shifts to planning for a thoughtful and well-supported transition. This includes preserving the core elements that define Capital Prep, including our commitment to college readiness, strong relationships, and a social justice-centered approach, while ensuring that the practical needs of our students, families, and staff are addressed.
Additional updates and next steps will be shared in the coming weeks as we prepare for the 2026–2027 school year.
Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to Capital Prep.
Dr. Kitisa Ferguson
Principal
Capital Preparatory Magnet School