LYNN — For those who may think the Boys & Girls Club of Lynn — a 137-year-old institution currently undertaking a $28 million building project that will expand its capacity to serve 650 youth each day — could not possibly do more to support the young people of the city, think again.
With the purchase of a building at 35 Franklin St. (site of the former Parker Funeral Home), the Boys & Girls Club is preparing to open a preschool program, which will mark the first time in its history that it will serve children under age 5.
The preschool, which is scheduled to open June 1, is set to accommodate 40 children ages 2.9 to 5 and operate year-round. The club currently has members aged 5-18.
“The club has been open to young people for 137 years and we are excited to open our doors to children at an age earlier than ever,” said Grace Duran, BGCL executive director. “We hope to keep kids connected with the club through their teen years.”
Brian Theirrien, BGCL CEO, said that in talking with Mayor Jared Nicholson about how the club could help address unmet needs for youth of the city, he mentioned the importance of adding preschool centers. When the opportunity arose to buy 35 Franklin St. — from Richard Parker, a BGCL alumnus and supporter of the club — the Board of Directors jumped at it.
“This is an expansion of our program that supports the mayor’s vision,” Theirrien said. “We started putting all the pieces together. We thought this would be a great addition to complement our programs.”
“The Boys and Girls Club is a long-time partner offering key services to our city’s young people,” Nicholson said. “Their new preschool program advances Lynn’s commitment to expanding early education and providing our families with high-quality educational opportunities they deserve.”
Theirrien said the club is making some capital improvements to the facility to ensure it is ready to provide a safe and fun environment for children. The preschool will occupy approximately 1,600 feet of space on the first floor of the building, with office space on the second floor. In addition to classrooms, there will be a library, sensory room and activities room. The school will be staffed by a director and four teachers.
“This is a big step,” Duran said. “We’re proud of the club being part of many generations since 1889. We kept hearing from families about wanting a program for younger siblings, so this addresses that need. We will have a preschool with diverse, caring teachers, and with a pathway to early learning that directly connects to the rest of our programs and a curriculum that gets kids ready for kindergarten.”
Anaima Piccirillo, senior director of licensed programs, has been reaching out to families about the new preschool.
“We are deeply committed to providing quality early education in a safe, nurturing environment where every child can thrive,” Piccirillo said. “Early childhood is one of the most important stages of development, years that shape how children learn, grow, and experience the world around them. We are focused on creating a space where children feel safe, loved, and excited to learn each day, and where families feel confident knowing their children are cared for, supported, and encouraged.”
Erica Sousa, director of communications and special events, said the preschool will be unique in that it will be connected to the BGCL campus, providing members with access to the gym, pool, dance studio, art room, theater and other amenities.
“We’re meeting a real need in the community and giving Lynn children the strongest possible start,” Sousa said.
With the preschool site across the street from Cobbet Elementary School, there will now be two schools on the block.
“We already collaborate with Lynn Public Schools,” Duran said. “(Superintendent) Molly (Cohen) is a great partner and we look forward to continuing to work with her.”
The club’s ongoing building project, which will add 44,000 square feet of space, is expected to be complete in January 2027.
To complete an interest form for the new preschool, visit www.bgcl.org
