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OPENING FALL 2027* • STAMFORD, CT

A World of Learning Starts Here.

A tuition-free public charter school combining academic excellence, Modern Hebrew, and global citizenship.

APPLY NOW!

Serving Pre-K through Grade 1 at opening

*We plan to open in 2027. Opening is conditional on receiving a full appropriation from the State and on finalizing a facility.

ABOUT OLAM STAMFORD

A Strong Foundation for a World of Possibilities

Modeled after the successful Hebrew Public schools in Brooklyn and Staten Island, Olam Stamford will provide students from all backgrounds with a rigorous academic education in a welcoming and supportive environment.

Our curriculum combines strong foundations in English, math, and science with daily Modern Hebrew instruction, social studies, art, music, and physical education. Through a focus on academic excellence and global citizenship, we prepare students to succeed in school and thrive in an interconnected world.

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN!

How Do I Apply to Olam Stamford?

We use a platform called SchoolMint to handle our application and enrollment process.
 
SchoolMint is an online system used by charter schools nationwide to ensure a fair, transparent, and easy application experience. It acts as your personal dashboard throughout the entire enrollment journey.
APPLY NOW!

Create an Account:

You will set up a quick username and password.

Submit Your Info:

Fill out the basic application for your child.

Stay Updated:

Following our lottery in April, you will receive communications and complete your child’s official registration right inside SchoolMint.

GET TO KNOW US

Olam Stamford at a Glance

2027

Planned Opening

September

PreK–1

Opening Grades

112 students

PreK–8

Future Grades

Growing each year

336

Students

At full enrollment

LEADERSHIP

Founding Board of Directors

Hugh Murphy Chair

Meet Hugh

Fritz G. Chery Vice Chair

Meet Fritz

Akash Sadhu Treasurer

Meet Akash

Lori Ferguson Secretary

Meet Lori

Gila Ogle Director

Meet Gila

Julienne Foy Director

Meet Julienne

BOARD PUBLIC NOTICE

All meetings of the Olam Public Charter School Board of Directors are open to the public. Board meetings will be held virtually via Zoom.

Meeting dates and times are listed on this page. Zoom access information will be provided for each meeting so that members of the public may attend electronically.

Meeting agendas and other publicly available materials will be posted in the Board Meeting Materials section below in accordance with Connecticut public meeting requirements. 

BOARD MEETING CALENDAR 2026-27

Wednesday, July 15, 2026 @ 12 pm

Thursday, September 10, 2026 @ 4 pm

Thursday, November 19, 2026 @ 5 pm

Thursday, January 14, 2027 @ 5 pm

Thursday, March 11, 2027 @ 5 pm

Thursday, May 13, 2027 @ 5 pm

Thursday, June 17, 2027 @ 5 pm

Board Meetings
Olam Stamford, Spetember 10, 2026
September 10, 2026
Download Meeting Packet
Download Meeting Notice

Olam Stamford board meeting

September 10 at 4 pm

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89267924350?pwd=Gw6bEn9hwHxh8QIjDGDsA99c62NfZ2.1

Meeting ID: 892 6792 4350
Passcode: V5kab2

Olam Stamford, July 15, 2026
September 15, 2026
Download Meeting Packet
Download Meeting Notice
View All Board Meetings

BOARD DOCUMENTS

Whistleblower Policy
Code of Ethics
Conflict of Interest Policy

LEARN MORE

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Olam Stamford?

OLAM Stamford is a new public charter school coming to Stamford, Connecticut. Part of the Hebrew Public network, OLAM will combine rigorous academics with a focus on global citizenship, critical thinking, and learning Modern Hebrew. Our goal is to create a diverse, inclusive school community where students are challenged academically and supported as they grow.

Yes. OLAM Stamford is a Connecticut public charter school authorized by the Connecticut State Board of Education. Like other public charter schools, OLAM will be tuition-free and open to eligible students regardless of their background or previous school experience.

Yes. OLAM Stamford will be a tuition-free public school. Families will not pay tuition to attend.

No. Students do not need to speak Hebrew to attend OLAM Stamford. Hebrew will be introduced as part of the school’s academic program, so students can learn the language as they learn about different cultures, perspectives, and communities. No previous Hebrew experience is required.

OLAM Stamford is designed to eventually serve students from PreK through 8th grade. The school will open with PreK through 1st grade in fall 2027 and grow a grade each year.

OLAM Stamford is planning to open in Stamford for the 2027–28 school year. As we move through the state’s required pre-opening process, we will share updates about enrollment, applications, school programs, and important dates.

OLAM Stamford will be located in Stamford, Connecticut. We are currently finalizing the school’s facility and will share the exact location with families as soon as it is confirmed.

No. OLAM Stamford is a non-religious public charter school. While students will have the opportunity to learn Modern Hebrew and explore different cultures and perspectives, the school is not affiliated with or operated as a religious school.

OLAM Stamford will be open to eligible Connecticut students who meet the school’s enrollment requirements. If more students apply than there are available seats, enrollment will be determined through a public lottery in accordance with Connecticut charter school requirements.
You do not need to be Jewish, speak Hebrew, or have any particular religious or cultural background to attend OLAM Stamford.

Applications for OLAM Stamford are not yet open. Because the school is still completing the state’s required pre-opening process, families cannot officially apply at this time.
You can, however, share your intent to apply. By completing our short form, you can provide your contact information so we can notify you when applications officially open and share important enrollment updates and deadlines.

Serving PreK–1 at opening

Become one of our founding families

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Hugh Murphy

Hugh Murphy is a finance and public administration executive with more than 40 years of experience in school finance, budgeting, and operations management. He previously served as Executive Director of Finance for Stamford Public Schools, overseeing financial planning, budgeting, grants, and operational services, and currently teaches accounting as an adjunct professor at the University of Connecticut. Throughout his career, Hugh has managed large public education budgets, led major cost-saving initiatives, and supported strategic planning for school districts across Connecticut. He holds an MBA from the University of Connecticut and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Providence College.

Fritz G. Chery

Fritz G. Chery is a lifelong Stamford resident who has built his life, work, and service here. He’s not just a candidate, he’s a neighbor, a small business owner, and a parent who understands firsthand what families in this city face every day.

After earning his degree in Political Science from the University of Connecticut and an MBA from the University of Bridgeport, Fritz built a career in commercial real estate for more than 15 years. He later co-founded Grace Daycare & Learning Center, working directly with families and children while providing affordable, high-quality care. These experiences gave him a deep understanding of both the challenges and the opportunities that shape daily life in Stamford.

In 2020, Fritz was appointed to the Stamford Board of Education, where he quickly became a strong advocate for students, parents, and teachers. He pushed for action on pressing issues like school building repairs, mold remediation, and HVAC upgrades, and worked to ensure every student had access to a safe, supportive environment for learning. 

But Fritz’s leadership has never been limited to elected office. He has organized citywide job fairs to connect residents with work opportunities, led a tablet and laptop drive to make sure students could keep learning at home, and hosted seven public town halls to give neighbors a chance to speak directly and be heard. His board service with nonprofits like Future 5, Project Music, and Laurel House reflects his commitment to helping young people find mentors, opening doors to the arts, and supporting mental health across the community.

Akash Sadhu

Akash Sadhu is a technology and portfolio management leader with more than 25 years of experience delivering complex technology, risk, and regulatory compliance solutions for global financial institutions. He currently serves as a Director at UBS, leading trade surveillance technology initiatives, and has previously held leadership roles at NatWest Markets, GE Capital, and Investec Bank. Akash also serves as a technology volunteer with his local school PTO, supporting digital operations and community engagement. He holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees in computer science and additional certifications in data science, machine learning, analytics, and leadership.

Lori Ferguson

Lori Ferguson is Senior Vice President of Product and Customer Operations at NCQA, where she leads product strategy, implementation, and customer operations. With more than 20 years of leadership experience in Medicaid and Medicare managed care, she has held executive roles at VNS Health and Magellan Health. Lori holds a master’s degree in Applied/Organizational Psychology from Christopher Newport University, a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Radford University, and is a certified Six Sigma Black Belt.

Gila Ogle

Gila Ogle is an experienced educator and school leader with a track record of founding, strengthening, and leading schools focused on equity and academic excellence. She currently serves as Head of School at The Silver Academy in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and previously held leadership roles at Amber Charter Middle School in New York City and the SEED School of Miami. Gila holds graduate degrees from Columbia University and Queens College and a bachelor’s degree from Yeshiva University.

Julienne Foy

Julienne Foy serves as Chief of Community Services for the City of Norwalk and as an elected member of the Stamford Public Schools Board of Education. She brings extensive experience across education, human services, and nonprofit leadership, with a longstanding commitment to supporting children, families, and communities.

Prior to joining the City of Norwalk, Julienne served as Executive Director of The Odyssey Family Executive Center of South Norwalk. Her earlier career in education includes serving as a school principal and in student support leadership roles, where she focused on family engagement, student well-being, and whole-child approaches to education.

Julienne holds a Master of Social Work from Fordham University, a Master of Education from Quinnipiac University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Clark University. 

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