Hoboken Charter School

The Hoboken Charter School was conceived and developed by a group of Hoboken parents and professional educators. The school's founders believe that a community composed of learners of all ages fosters a spirit of collaboration that is a necessary part of a successful educational experience. We believe that students thrive in environments where expectations are clear and consistent at all levels, and where students are known -- not only by their peers, but by the entire school community. An emphasis on curriculum that places the student at the center of inquiry is the foundation for the school's four critical learning "cornerstones." These cornerstones are: rigorous academics, arts literacy, and personal and civic growth.

Through service learning, students bring the community into the classroom and extend the walls of the classroom out into the community. Service learning offers a way to tie the curriculum to community action. Students at the Hoboken Charter School identify community problems; design, implement, and evaluate action plans; and engage in ongoing personal reflection. Through these experiences, students become active, contributing members of the school community, the city of Hoboken, and beyond. In developing this approach, the Hoboken Charter School has developed relationships with a wide variety of individuals and groups within the Hoboken community.

This orientation to action is modeled by the Hoboken Charter School staff. Through their participation in a school-based teacher-as-researcher program, teachers not only gain insight into the pursuit of understanding and the practice of teaching, but redefine their roles as educators, researchers and policy makers. In addition, as a public institution, the Hoboken Charter School encourages parents and community members to utilize the resources of the school as a site for their own lifelong learning.