About OCS

History

The Opportunity Charter School (OCS) was authorized by the New York City Schools Chancellor and chartered by the New York State Board of Regents on May 18, 2004. OCS was founded to meet the need of the Harlem community for a 6 – 12 school that would welcome all children and provide a Regents curriculum with the social and academic supports necessary for success.

Now in its fifth academic year, OCS’s reputation as a model school continues to grow. In the past year, delegations from the tri-state area, as well as from national and international education agencies, have visited OCS in order to observe the innovative work being done at the school. OCS has been recognized as a model for best practices in both special and general education programs for all students, including those at risk of academic failure. The OCS model is being replicated in the East Baton Rouge, LA school district.

Currently, 420 students are enrolled at OCS in grades 6 through 12. Each year, OCS has added a new class of 54 6th grade students and has reached its goal of becoming an inclusive 6th through 12th grade institution in September 2009.