Welcoming children who learn differently and want a better alternative to traditional public schools.

Every child learns differently, including yours. So why not send your child to a school whose success is rooted in nurturing each child’s individuality? At Opportunity Charter School (OCS), we place tremendous focus on understanding our students’ unique qualities, those that help to better prepare them to achieve their individual greatness. We provide educational programming for both middle and high school students that combine a rigorous curriculum, comprehensive special education services, and a wide range of community supports.

OCS received an “Excellent” rating from the New York City Department of Education for closing the achievement gap for English language learners, students with special needs, and the city’s lowest performing students*. Nearly two-thirds of our students have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and last year our 4-year graduation rate for students with disabilities (SWD) reached 86%, far outperforming the citywide SWD graduation rate of 44%. OCS’s graduation rates for all students was also 86%, and this year we are projecting even higher graduation rates.

We embrace diversity of every kind and because of this philosophy OCS offers students a truly unique experience. Students are introduced to a wide range of culturally rich social activities and educational engagements. These experiences help to develop students’ awareness of the surrounding world and their place in it. We take them on college tours, to museums and neighborhoods in the outer boroughs to experience cultures different than their own. We invite prominent individuals, from elected officials and professional athletes to community leaders and educators, to meet with our students.

Students at OCS are supported by highly-trained staff who cultivate an engaging and comprehensive learning experience driven by curriculum tailored to meet their needs. OCS’s curriculum uses peer-to-peer skills matching and a measured approach to enhance our students' cognitive thinking and classroom performance. Instruction at OCS is also designed to prepare students for the NYS Regents exams and develop college and career readiness. Each grade is assigned a learning specialist and social worker who works with students, both individually and in groups, to ensure that all learners are developing strategies and tools for academic success.

“My son gets the individual attention he needs from teachers, and OCS’s use of technology for project-based curriculum is greatly suited for children who learn differently. I am thankful to have found such a great school for my son,” says new OCS parent Betty Castillo.

At OCS we understand that every child’s road to success may take a different route. That’s why we offer students multiple pathways to college and the workplace. Through OCS’s Culinary Program, many of our graduates have gained hands-on experience learning the fundamental and practical skills of culinary arts. Each week, students receive three days of classroom instruction and three-and-a-half hours of hands-on learning in the kitchen. Upon completion of the program, students will have gained a competitive advantage over their peers when pursuing postsecondary education or employment opportunities in the culinary arts. Many OCS graduates have enrolled in some of the most prestigious culinary institutions in the city.

From the moment students walk into OCS, college attainment is embedded into their thinking. Last year, 8 in 10 OCS graduates enrolled in college. Additionally, OCS graduates enrolled in college at a 23% higher rate than similar students across the New York City public school system. And 84% of students who graduated got accepted to a college or university. The remaining graduating class members chose to pursue workforce opportunities with the support of OCS staff.

Ready to enroll your child? There are four ways to apply to OCS for the 2018 2019 school year. You can apply online at www.ocsny.org, over the phone by contacting us at (212) 866-6137 Ext. 4230, print the application from our website and mail/fax it back to us, or in person. We are located at 240 West 113th Street, 4th floor (between Adam Clayton Powell and Frederick Douglass Boulevard).

*New York City Department of Education 2016-17 School Quality Snapshot