Opportunity Charter School

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.

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.

Currently, approximately 400 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.

At Opportunity Charter School, we welcome all students in grades 6 through 12, regardless of previous academic success: students who are yearning to learn, students who have fallen behind, students who have been told their aspirations are beyond reach.

Through a positive belief in every student’s promise, we are committed to bringing their potential to life.

We provide staff and students with a safe, supportive environment in which to pursue personal development through an individualized plan tailored to their unique needs.

We nurture intellectual and personal growth. Students receive differentiated instruction in every curricular area from our highly-trained staff, with the goal of expanding their higher cognitive functioning.

Our school culture is performance-driven and results-oriented. Students graduate having achieved a clearly demonstrated academic and social foundation, as well as a deep understanding of their own strengths and weaknesses.

At OCS, we welcome all students in grades 6 through 12, regardless of previous academic success: students who are yearning to learn, students who have fallen behind, students who have been told their aspirations are beyond reach.

A Safe, Supportive Environment
Our staff is trained in the Therapeutic Crisis Intervention method of behavior management, which emphasizes close observation of student behavior and intervention before a situation escalates into crisis.

Behavior managers are available to assist teachers and teaching assistants in resolving conflict and working with children who are experiencing difficulty behaving in class or the hallways.

Belief in Every Student’s Promise
Our staff is trained in cutting edge, research based methodology of evaluating academic strengths and weaknesses. To maximize each child’s personal development, an individualized education plan is created that is tailored to his or her unique needs. Students receive differentiated instruction in every curricular area, with the goal of expanding their higher cognitive thinking.

Performance Driven and Results Oriented
Our curriculum will prepare students to take the Regents and transition to college or a meaningful career. Our goal is for every student to graduate having achieved a clearly demonstrated academic and social foundation, as well as a deep understanding of their own strengths and weaknesses.

Leonard Goldberg
CEO/Head of School
212.866.6137 Extension 4180
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Marya Baker 
Principal
212.866.6137 Extension 4063 
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Michael Greene
Assistant Principal, HS
212.866.6137 Extension 4069
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Michael Johnson
Assistant Principal, MS
212.866.6137 Extension 4064
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Anthony Jones
Dean
212.866.6137
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Jessica Marcu
Special Education Supervisor
212.866.6137 Extension 3120
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Rebecca Dickinson
Clinical Supervisor
212.866.6137 Extension 4211
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Brandon Thomas
Director of Guidance
212.866.6137 Extension 4217
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Shante Spivey
Supervisor for Family & Student Services
212.866.6137 Extension 4062
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