North Central Charter Essential School

My daughter graduated NCCES in 2010. I have been actively involved with the school since 2006 and continue to be. My daughter was not being academically or intellectually challenged at her previous school and I was afraid she would not be able to attend or succeed at an academically rigorous college, even though she had the ability, unless we made some drastic change in her schooling. The school system she had attended was overcrowded, had a very restricted budget, and were focused on the lowest performing students, often leaving those with above grade level abilities to fend for themselves. We had checked out private schools, but to pay tuition would have meant less money for her college education. She was also turned off by the private school atmosphere, where she said there was a lot of emphasis on how people looked, what they wore, what they owned, etc. There were a lot of cliques and pressure to conform. NCCES was a great solution. Her education was personalized, challenging and helped her grow into a successful learner. She is a junior at BU, working on degrees in Math/ Economics and Computer Science. NCCES continues to evolve. From 2006-now, it has blossomed.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been attending NCCES and I personally think that the teachers and curriculum absolutely wonderful! As for other students, they don't grasp the material fully, causing uproars of non-stop talking in class and it get annoying after awhile. Bu other than that, the school is great!

as a student at NCCES, getting ready to graduate and go out in to the world I look back and see how much the school has changed, some for the worst and some for the better. What people need to take in to consideration when deciding to choose this as a school for there children is that we don't get home work every night, we are more like collages where we get long and vigorous projects. the choice to do those projects over the whole semester or in one night is left up to the individual student and that choice reflects the students grade depending on if they got it done and done well. I feel like the administration could be better some times but I feel safe going there. All schools have some problems and at NCCES we're working hard to try and strive to a better place

i am a student at ncces and i love it. the school gives us (the students) the time of day and care alot about whether or not we will pass the semster. they sre ery dedicated to their work and push us to our limits to do our best .

This school does not prepare the students for a college education. The academic rigor is not present and the students are not held accountable for their behavior or their education.
—Submitted by a parent

I think NCCES is awesome. The adjustment you need to go through in order to attend can be hard. For example, learning is more independent than most traditional schools. But it is totally worth it because it helps you become a better learner and find your own voice. Our school is new and still adjusting to many obstacles that have been presented to us but I think that with the consistant dedicaiton and care that our faculty and our student body show we can overcome them. I recommend that if you send your child here you should try to get involved with their education so that you know better how NCCES operates. This will help prevent any potential confusion or frustration you might experience otherwise. NCCES is such a unique school. I can't image attending anywhere else.
—Submitted by a student

This was our kids first year at NCCES and I feel like NCCES has set my kids back at least a year in all aspects of their education. There is no supervision at this school either. I honestly feel like the kids run the school. Both of my kids have IEP that do not get followed. They do nothing to help with organization and you never know how your kids are doing until it's too late. We couldn't get them to check my kids agenda. We couldn't get some teachers to ever email us back. If your kid is independant and very organized and they need no supervision whatsoever then maybe the school would work for you. If your kid is like most kids at this age, or if they have special needs, I'd honestly look elsewhere.
—Submitted by a parent

I go here and I love this school. I would never think of going any were else because I know the people here care about me and want me to do good and pass.
—Submitted by a student

As all new programs need some 'shake down' time, I see NCCES as a school that is dedicated to helping students find their own strengths and methods of overcoming challenges. NCCES continually strives to connect with its community and build upon that strength for the benefit of the students. My son has found his confidence and voice, where he had lost it before coming to the school. The teachers hold him accountable for his work, yet recognize that there is more to an education than a simple exam. When building a top notch program, some shuffling must happen. I have seen a dedication to 'Think, Care, Act,' in the school's decisions, and a very strong willingness to address the school's shortcomings. That is a rare thing in an institution and NCCES demonstrates that recognition to its student body by that attitude.
—Submitted by a parent

The North Central Charter Essential School (NCCES) is a great school, which teaches its students how to think for themselves, care about others, and act creatively and responsibly. NCCES is in its fifth year of operation and is in the process of renewing its charter, and has been recommended for renewal. NCCES has a strong and dedicated teaching staff (and administration) that is willing to go above and beyond to make sure that each and every student succeeds. It is a extremely safe school, with a wonderful student services team, which is supported by a large amount of student peer mediators who all work to keep students safe. NCCES has a strong since of community and school culture, and it is a place where many students wish to learn. Over all, NCCES is a great school that challenges students appropriately, and encourages everyone to be active in their education.
—Submitted by a student

My child is in her second year at NCCES and we could not be happier! She recieved the extra attention required by her IEP and is THRIVING. She no longer is on an IEP and is dong quite well by checking in with the SPED director 2x per week. The students are encouraged to be independent thinkers and are allowed to be themselves without feeling like they have to fit into a certain group. We had a difficult year with the new principal and her ideas to change the school but have come to terms with the changes. This school requires parent involvement via meetings with advisors a few times throughout the year. Most of the students are very happy here. It seems if you are unhappy here it is because you are not willing to make the commitment required.
—Submitted by a parent

This ia a great young small school. We love it! Only 4 years old and already 96% of the graduates are going to college. Students are expected to learn and become independent learners. The program helps and supports this. It's a very safe school - 0 fights in a school with 360 7th -12th graders! I think it is because students hold each other accountable with peer mediation. Parents are encouraged to be involved as much as possible. Sit down meetings between parents, students and advisors(teacher) happen at least three times a year. Volunteers are welcomed.
—Submitted by a parent

My child is a special needs student. This was her third year at NCCES and she finally received the help she needed from a wonderful teacher. So much for good fortune. The Principle and Executive Director has not asked back her teacher and the Director of Special Educations position has been eliminated. There is no way I can continue to send my child to this school. I cannot see how her accomodations can be met without qualified people to help her. They were not met in the past. I am withdrawing my daughter. I can only pray that the DOE looks into this schools lack of support for special needs children.
—Submitted by a parent

I taught at this school for one year and I could not wait to get away. The Administration let's the student decide what is best for them. The students are very undisciplined. A look at standardized test scores at this school should say enough as to why they have trouble attracting good teachers and any students at all.
—Submitted by a teacher

In all, NCCES is an ambitious school. Sometimes they meet their goals, other times they do not. NCCES lacks structure (even if it IS a charter school). The student population is friendly, open, and a joy to be around. The freedom that the students are given is a beautiful thing. In all, NCCES is a good place for the leaders of tomorrow, but it is not the best alternative for people who do not enjoy school and setting the groundwork for their future.
—Submitted by a former student