The Charter High School for Law and Social Justice

Background

The Charter High School for Law and Social Justice (CHSLSJ) is a public charter school located in the Bronx, New York. Established through a partnership between the College of Mount Saint Vincent and New York Law School, CHSLSJ aims to provide students from traditionally underserved communities with a high-quality education focused on law and social justice. The school's mission is to create a pathway to college, graduate school, and careers in the legal profession by exposing scholars to the power of law to promote social change.

Key Strategic Focus

CHSLSJ's strategic focus centers on delivering a rigorous, high-quality education that equips students with the skills necessary for success in college and careers. The curriculum includes four years of English Language Arts, History, Mathematics, Science, Spanish, law-related electives, and a four-year law and social justice course sequence. Key design elements include:

Highly skilled faculty

Small class sizes

Extended school days

Strong advisory program

Mandatory summer bridge programs

Mentoring

Real-world experience through community service projects and internship placements

The school leverages its partnerships with the College of Mount Saint Vincent and New York Law School to provide students with access to a network of faculty, scholars, and alumni.

Financials and Funding

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, CHSLSJ reported total revenues of $12,660,290 and total expenses of $12,652,571 for the fiscal year ending June 2023. The school's total assets amounted to $28,728,331.

Pipeline Development

CHSLSJ offers a comprehensive educational program designed to prepare students for higher education and careers in law and social justice. The school's curriculum includes:

Four-year law and social justice course sequence

Advanced Placement (AP) courses

College-level courses at the College of Mount Saint Vincent

Community service-based projects for 11th graders

Internships at law offices for 12th graders

These programs aim to provide students with practical experience and academic knowledge to succeed in their future endeavors.

Technological Platform and Innovation

CHSLSJ integrates innovative teaching methods and technological platforms to enhance student learning. The school employs a co-teaching model and offers extended school days to provide additional instructional time. Additionally, CHSLSJ partners with the National Education Equity Lab to deliver college credit-bearing courses into teacher-led high school classrooms, enabling students to build the skills and confidence needed for college success.

Leadership Team

The leadership team at CHSLSJ includes:

Richard Burke, Executive Director: Oversees the school's operations and strategic initiatives.

Floriande Buckman, Principal: Manages the academic programs and faculty.

German Reyes, Director of Operations: Handles the school's operational aspects.

Max Portugal, Director of Finance: Manages the school's financial matters.

Travis Stephens, Director of IT: Oversees the school's information technology infrastructure.

Leadership Changes

Since 2019, CHSLSJ has undergone a leadership overhaul, resulting in improved graduation and college acceptance rates, as well as a positive and safe school culture. Teachers have a voice in various aspects of school life, including curriculum, grading policies, and scheduling.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

CHSLSJ operates in the Bronx, New York, serving a diverse student population. The school focuses on providing a specialized education in law and social justice, distinguishing itself from other high schools in the area.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors include:

University Prep Charter High School: Offers a college preparatory curriculum with a focus on academic excellence.

Democracy Preparatory Charter High School: Emphasizes civic engagement and rigorous academics.

United Charter High School for Advanced Math and Science: Focuses on advanced mathematics and science education.

These schools offer specialized programs that cater to different student interests and career aspirations.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

CHSLSJ has established significant partnerships to enhance its educational offerings:

New York Law School: Provides mentoring opportunities with law students and attorneys, offering college and law school experiences to students.

College of Mount Saint Vincent: Offers college-level courses and shares academic benchmarks necessary for college and law school admission.

Bronx Community College: Allows students to take college classes and receive college credit, saving them money when they enter college after graduation.

National Education Equity Lab: Delivers college credit-bearing courses into high school classrooms, enabling students to build skills and confidence for college success.

W.E.B. Du Bois Scholars Institute: Provides leadership development programs for students from historically underserved communities.

Operational Insights

CHSLSJ's strategic considerations include:

Extended School Days: Provides additional instructional time to support student learning.

Small Class Sizes: Ensures personalized attention and support for students.

Co-Teaching Model: Enhances instructional quality and student engagement.

Mentoring Programs: Connects students with professionals in the legal field to provide guidance and support.

These operational strategies contribute to the school's distinct competitive advantages in the education sector.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

CHSLSJ aims to expand its impact by:

Enhancing College Readiness Programs: Increasing the availability of AP courses and college-level classes.

Strengthening Community Partnerships: Building relationships with additional institutions to provide more opportunities for students.

Implementing Innovative Teaching Methods: Utilizing technology and new pedagogical approaches to improve student outcomes.

Focusing on Student Support Services: Providing comprehensive support to address the academic and social needs of students.

By leveraging its current strengths and strategic partnerships, CHSLSJ is well-positioned to achieve its future objectives and continue promoting social change through education.