STOW, Mass. – The Town of Stow and Masters Academy International (MAI) formally announce the redevelopment of the Bose property into a $83 million multi-use sports and education complex that will educate and train young athletes and become the home of the U.S. National Training Center for the Olympic & Paralympic sport of fencing.
During development MAI submitted a proposal to USA Fencing, which was seeking a new strategic partner. As a result, USA Fencing’s national training center, as well as its high school academy, will create the country’s first dedicated National Training Center and National Academy for fencing.
Additionally, USA Fencing will become the first National Governing Body (NGB) to unveil a comprehensive academy model and to feature their National Training Center in Massachusetts.
Phil Andrews, USA Fencing’s CEO, calls the project “a game-changer for our athletes and our membership.”
“We’re taking the proven blueprint of academies that combine elite sports with academic excellence, ensuring that today’s youth fencers — wherever they train — can see a clear pathway to collegiate and international success while establishing a year-round presence in a state that is a heartland of our sport,” he said.
As well as fencing, MAI will renovate a 400,000-square-foot building at 688 Great Road into learning hubs and student housing, a dining room with a commercial kitchen, and a facility for sports and performance training. Turf soccer, lacrosse and baseball fields will be built on 40 acres of cleared, flat land.
MAI intends to begin operations at the start of the 2026-2027 school year. It has partnered with The Newman School, an independent, private high school in Boston, to provide educational program guidance for students.
Leading global schools group Cognita is a founding partner, bringing its global education expertise and commitment to excellence to this transformative new academy. With over 100 schools across 20 countries, Cognita is united by a single purpose: to empower students to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
“We are incredibly proud to be a founding partner in Masters Academy International,” said Frank Maassen, Group CEO of Cognita. “MAI embodies the Cognita spirit – combining world-class education with real-world preparation, global thinking, and personal ambition. With its focus on academics, athletics, life skills, and leadership, it offers a truly holistic education that nurtures the whole student.”
“Masters Academy is built to reimagine how student-athletes are developed — combining elite academics, world-class coaching, and a state-of-the-art campus in the heart of New England,” MAI Founder Peter Masters said. “With the support of Cognita, we’re building a destination that will shape the next generation of leaders in sports and education.”
MAI will initially offer training in seven sports including hockey, lacrosse, soccer, baseball, basketball, fencing, and E-sports, with more to follow. MAI will deliver a ground-breaking blend of elite athletic training and future-ready academics for more than 700 students in grades 6-12 plus post-graduates. Students will benefit from five hours of academic instruction and four hours dedicated to sports training daily. This structure enables students to accumulate more than 2,880 hours of sports-specific training throughout grades 6-12.
Stow Town Meeting overwhelmingly approved zoning changes to accommodate this project, which is guided by a Development Agreement signed between the Town and MAI in 2022. This allowed expedited permitting through a public and transparent process, but also allowed the Town greater control as MAI is a for-profit entity.
The Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals reviewed plans for legal compliance and issued the necessary permits.
State Rep. Kate Hogan of Stow, Speaker Pro Tem of the House of Representatives, spearheaded a team of Massachusetts officials from the Healey-Driscoll Administration to welcome and support the MAI effort and extend a competitive bid to relocate the USA Fencing Olympic headquarters to Stow.
“Bringing the Olympic & Paralympic sport of fencing to Stow, as part of this new powerhouse sports academy, will result in numerous exciting economic development opportunities for the Town and the region. I was honored to play a role in connecting local interests with state support to help the bid succeed,” said Rep. Hogan. “Stow’s proximity to major airports and highways, as well as access to world class athletes and the Masters Academy’s desirable facilities, all helped make this the right decision for USA Fencing.”
The Executive Office of Economic Development and the Massachusetts Economic Assistance Coordinating Council (EACC) approved MAI for participation in the Economic Development Incentive Program (EDIP), a program that seeks to create new jobs and help businesses grow by offering credits to lower taxes in exchange for job creation commitments. The EACC approved $2.850 million in EDIP tax credits.
The EDIP tax credits are a tangible result of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s efforts to invest in and support private industry seeking to build roots in Massachusetts. In deciding where to relocate its Olympic headquarters, USA Fencing met with multiple Administration officials to discuss other opportunities for partnership and support.
“This is an exciting day for the Town of Stow, Masters Academy International and USA Fencing. Our administration is proud to support this effort, and we look forward to seeing student athletes excel here in Massachusetts, where we are known for our incredible sports culture,” said Gov. Maura Healey. “I am particularly grateful for the partnership with Speaker Pro Tem Hogan, Sen. Eldridge, and Stow Town Administrator Dembkoski that helped secure this unique opportunity.”
“We’re thrilled to welcome USA Fencing to Massachusetts. This partnership between Masters Academy International and the Town of Stow will bring economic opportunity to our state as athletes from around the world come to train here,” said Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll. “We’re grateful for the work of Rep. Hogan, Sen. Eldridge, the Town of Stow, Masters Academy International and USA Fencing to make this possible.”
“Bringing the Masters Academy International (MAI) and U.S. National Training Center for fencing to Stow is a remarkable achievement for the town and the region. This project to transform the former Bose property will strengthen our local economy, support educational opportunity and competition, and put Stow on the map as a national leader in youth sports,”said State Sen. Jamie Eldridge. “I look forward to seeing the long-term benefits it brings to students, families, and small businesses throughout the area.”
Once complete, MAI will become the Town’s largest taxpayer, providing significant relief to Stow property owners. Campus improvements and new construction is scheduled to begin in August
“The Town is excited to welcome Masters Academy International and USA Fencing,” said Select Board Chair Megan Birch-McMichael. “Thank you to proponents, state agencies, state officials especially Rep. Kate Hogan, our local boards, and most importantly our Town staff, helmed by Town Administrator Denise Dembkoski. This day would not have been possible without their professionalism, passion, and expertise. We cannot wait for MAI to open and for Stow to become the home of future Olympic champions.”
A media availability will be held on Thursday, July 31, at 1 p.m., at the MAI site, 688 Great Road, Stow.
Interested media are asked to confirm attendance at either event by emailing Tom Zuppa at tom@jgpr.net no later than 11:30 a.m.
About Masters Academy International
MAI was founded to pioneer the first comprehensive Sports Academy in New England, dedicated to integrating academic excellence with athletic prowess. MAI was co-founded by Peter Masters and Chris Masters, collegiate hockey players and co-owners of the Boston Junior Bruins. Its leadership team includes a former member of the renowned IMG Academy, founded by legendary tennis coach Nick Bolletieri.
About USA Fencing
USA Fencing is the national governing body for the Olympic and Paralympic sport of fencing in the United States. Our mission is to grow and promote the sport of fencing in the United States, honor its rich traditions, and achieve sustained competitive international excellence. In USA Fencing, our athletes are strong and competitive both on the fencing strip and in life — a reminder that fencing provides physical and mental benefits that last a lifetime.
Learn more about USA Fencing at usafencing.org or follow USA Fencing on X (@USAFencing), Instagram (@usafencing), Facebook (@USAFencing) and YouTube (@USAFencing).
About Cognita
Founded in 2004, Cognita is a leading global schools group with over 100 schools across 20 countries, which are united by a single purpose: empowering students to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. With more than 100,000 students and 21,000 dedicated staff across Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and the US, Cognita offers a truly global education experience. Our schools prioritise academic excellence and then go beyond, fostering resilience, adaptability, and a growth mindset to equip young people with the skills they need to succeed.
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