Norwalk Public Schools opens new Family Center in South Norwalk

NORWALK, Conn. — Norwalk Public Schools cut the ribbon Monday on a new home for its Family Center, moving the student and family support hub from 1 Park St. to 46 Concord St. in South Norwalk.

Superintendent Dr. Alexandra Estrella, Mayor Barbara Smyth, and a host of school administrators and community partners gathered at the new location Monday morning to mark the occasion.

Estrella said the move was driven by a desire to make the center more accessible to the surrounding community, not just families already connected to the school district. She said neighbors had already reached out about partnering to beautify the property, including restoring a playground that was removed when a previous tenant left the site.

“Strong communities are built on the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to reach their fullest potential,” Estrella said.

The Family Center originally opened in 2022 as a one-stop resource where families can register students, ask questions, voice concerns and connect with support services. The new building also houses the Norwalk Next Steps 18-22 Transition Program, which serves students with cognitive disabilities, as well as the Future Ready programs, which offer flexible learning pathways for students who need additional academic support to earn their diplomas.

Future Ready Education Administrator Heidi Pierovich said the program graduated 22 students in January, up from 15 the year prior, and was on track to graduate nearly 30 more this week.

The new site also hosts the district’s out-of-school suspension program, which allows students to continue their coursework rather than fall behind during disciplinary periods.

Kenneth Waller, CEO of Norwalk Community Health Center, said his organization relocated its Family Center office to the new site as well, continuing a partnership with the school district to provide medical services to students and families.

Frances Saez, the Family Center supervisor, noted that 46 Concord St. has its own community history. The building was constructed in 1938 to serve Italian-American families who settled in South Norwalk. Saez said the center now serves a new wave of immigrant families, calling it a full-circle moment.

“The Family Center is the heart of the Norwalk community,” Saez said. “Today, as we open our doors at the center of our city, the heart of our community now has a home in the center of this park.”

Transportation, Health Services, Food Services, and the Multilingual Learners Department also relocated to the new building.