44+ years of keeping Portuguese language and culture alive in Cambridge and Somerville
The idea began after a short visit from the then Secretary of State of Portugal in 1982, Dr. José Vitorino, where, with the promise of some aid, encouraged the community to create a school of Portuguese language and culture.
In Somerville, under the direction of SPAL, headed by Executive Director Michael Bishop, the community called for a public meeting. Classes started on October 12, 1982 with 50 students, working temporarily on the premises of SPAL and later in Lincoln Park Community School.
Simultaneously in Cambridge, under the direction of Fr. José Ferreira, Mr. Amadeu Cruz da Quelha, and Dr. Jose Figueiredo, a public meeting was held at St. Anthony's Church. The Official Portuguese School in Cambridge came into operation on December 6, 1982 at Harrington School, with 33 students.
Due to the proximity to each other and the desire to create a stronger school, the two schools merged in May 1983 and became officialized by the Portuguese government — taking the name "Escola Oficial Portuguesa de Cambridge e Somerville, Inc.", with over 80 students.
Due to cuts in funding, the school, which at one time enjoyed the support of the Portuguese government, became an independent body. In 2009, with declining enrollment and funds, the school applied for and was approved to become a non-profit, beginning robust efforts at fundraising and enrollment.
In 2012, the school moved to the modern buildings of Cambridge Rindge and Latin High School to embrace technology as a teaching tool. Dozens of teachers and hundreds of students have gone through the school's welcoming doors — many dedicated individuals strived to keep them open even when other Portuguese schools closed theirs.
Award-winning school with recognition from community schools worldwide
Virtual classes launched in 2020, reaching Portuguese families beyond Massachusetts
Programs from Pre-K through adult, plus a community book club
The school is grateful for the continued support of Naveo Credit Union (then known as Cambridge Portuguese Credit Union) as we all learn and continue to improve our fundraising and enrollment efforts.
The Escola Portuguesa is also grateful to the Portuguese community who so generously has supported us throughout the years — through donations, in-kind assistance, attendance at our events, and for sending students to the school.
As we look to the future, we hope that the Portuguese community will continue to support Escola Portuguesa de Cambridge e Somerville, Inc. with enrollment and financial support — because without it, the descendants of Portuguese speakers will lose touch with their language and heritage.
Cambridge Portuguese School founded
Somerville Portuguese School founded
Cambridge & Somerville Portuguese Schools merger: "Escola Oficial Portuguesa de Cambridge e Somerville, Inc."
Naveo (previously CPCU) provides funding to the School
School becomes a Non-Profit Organization
School moves installation to CRLS
School celebrates the 30th Anniversary
School adds additional elementary Saturday morning class
By popular demand, Adult Classes added
School adds Pre-K class, ages 5+
Adult Book Club
School goes virtual
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