High above Kendall Square stands the Community Charter School of Cambridge. Its red and black colors a vibrant splash against the cityscape. This isn’t just any school. It’s a place where history and ambition intertwine.
The Community Charter School of Cambridge opened in September 2005. It started with just grades 7 and 8. A mere 180 students filled its halls that first year. 150 of them were from Cambridge itself. Its founders Paula Evans Emma Stellman and Rob Riordan envisioned a different kind of education. They aimed to bridge opportunity gaps. They wanted to create a haven for diverse students.
The school’s beginnings were far from smooth. Opposition arose from within the Cambridge Public Schools system. Concerns were raised about funding and competition. Yet the Community Charter School of Cambridge persevered. It secured its charter from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Today the school boasts a student body of 360. It proudly serves students in grades 6 through 12. The school day stretches 7 hours and 10 minutes. That’s for Monday Tuesday Thursday and Friday. Wednesdays are shorter 5 hours only. The curriculum is challenging. It integrates technology and real-world experience. The goal is to prepare students for college and productive citizenship.
The school’s dedication to academic excellence has paid off. Its students consistently outperform state averages on standardized tests. Graduates have high college acceptance and matriculation rates. In fact every single graduating senior from 2018 was accepted to at least one 4-year college or university.
The Community Charter School of Cambridge’s story isn’t without its complexities. Dzhokhar Tsarnaev a student who later became infamous attended the school’s middle school program. He withdrew in the 9th grade. This unfortunate incident is a stark reminder of the diverse challenges faced by the school and its community.
But ultimately the Community Charter School of Cambridge remains a testament to the power of education and perseverance. Its success serves as an inspiration to students educators and communities alike. It stands as a beacon of hope and achievement in the heart of Cambridge. A place where students are known nurtured and challenged to reach their full potential. A school dedicated to building a brighter future.