The 2026–2027 academic year is officially underway, and what a special year it is from our New Heights Charter  School of Brockton.

Today, the halls of New Heights Charter School of Brockton were once again filled with the energy, excitement, and enthusiasm of our scholars. Our leadership team, teachers, and staff were thrilled to welcome our students back into the building as we begin another year of learning, growth, discovery, and opportunity.

But this first day of school is about more than the beginning of a new academic year. The 2026–2027 school year marks a historic milestone: the 10th anniversary of New Heights Charter School of Brockton.

For the past decade, New Heights has remained steadfast in its commitment to one fundamental mission: Prepare our students for college. Period. As the first Massachusetts public charter school established with a mission to prepare every student for college. Teachers and staff have worked intentionally to create a culture where college is not simply an aspiration—it is an attainable goal for every scholar who walks through the school’s doors.

Ten Years of Trust, Purpose, and Partnership

As the school celebrates this important milestone, teachers, staff, and school leadership extend  their deepest gratitude to our families for trusting New Heights with their children’s education for the past 10 years. 

Omari Walker, the Executive Director and co-founder of New Heights said, “We know that choosing a school is one of the most important decisions a family can make. Every day, we are reminded of the responsibility that comes with that trust. We remain committed to providing our scholars with the academic foundation, support, opportunities, and resources they need to succeed in high school, in college, and beyond.”

Walker recognizes that this work could not have been possible without educators and staff, whose dedication continues to drive the success of New Heights. Their commitment to the school’s mission, their belief in the students they serve, and their determination to uphold high academic standards are at the heart of the New Heights experience.

“For 10 years, our educators have challenged our scholars to aim higher, work harder, dream bigger, and believe in what is possible. They continue to set the bar high while ensuring that our students have the tools and support necessary to reach it,” implied Walker.

Building a College-Going Culture

New Heights’ success would not be possible without the strong partnerships they have built with colleges and universities throughout the Commonwealth.

Ondrea Johnston, the Principal of New Heights, stated, “We are deeply grateful to our college and university partners, whose continued collaboration has helped spearhead and strengthen our Early College program. 

Through these partnerships, our scholars have opportunities to experience college-level coursework, earn transferable college credits, and see themselves as college students long before they graduate from high school.”

As they celebrate the school’s 10th anniversary, educators look forward to expanding this work and continuing to make college more accessible to all students—regardless of their economic or social background. 

Clark Smith, a sixth grade math teacher who has been with New Heights for eights said, “We believe that access to a high-quality college education should not be determined by where a student comes from, how much their family earns, or the circumstances of their upbringing. At New Heights, we will continue working with our partners to break down barriers and open doors of opportunity for every scholar.”

Looking Ahead to the Next Decade

Ten years ago, New Heights began with a bold vision and an unwavering belief in what is possible when students are given high expectations, meaningful opportunities, and the support they need to succeed.

As they begin their second decade, the school’s leadership, educators and staff said that they remain committed to academic excellence, innovation, opportunity, and our promise to prepare New Heights’ students for college. Period. A reference  to the school’s mission.