Rochester Academy Charter School
Rochester Academy Charter School (RACS) represents a dynamic and highly successful tuition-free public charter alternative for families in the Rochester metropolitan area. Serving students from kindergarten through twelfth grade across three distinct campuses, an elementary school in Gates, a middle school on Genesee Street, and a high school in Greece, RACS has established itself as a beacon of academic achievement and equity. Operating under a mission to prepare the whole child for a rapidly changing world, the school cultivates critical thinking, personal character, and a deep, systemic commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The academic framework at RACS is rigorous, data-driven, and intensely focused on college preparation for all students, regardless of their starting proficiency. The high school curriculum features Honors classes, Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and dual-enrollment options, pushing students toward achieving the Regents diploma with advanced designations. Recognizing that students enter with varying levels of academic readiness, RACS employs an exceptional support system featuring Academic Intervention Services, English as a New Language (ENL) support, and specialized resource rooms to actively eliminate academic disparities. This unwavering commitment to student success has earned the high school repeated national recognition, including prestigious Best High Schools awards from U.S. News and World Report in 2014, 2020, and 2024.
As a STEM-infused institution, RACS places a massive premium on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The curriculum is meticulously designed to empower students, particularly those from historically underserved communities, to excel in the competitive global economy. Through hands-on STEM student teams and robotics, learners develop crucial 21st-century workplace competencies such as complex problem-solving, teamwork, and communication. The integration of modern technology in the classroom ensures that students are adept at navigating digital landscapes, preparing them for advanced collegiate studies and future tech-driven careers.
Athletics and extracurricular activities are vibrant, integral components of the RACS experience. The sports program fields highly competitive teams in basketball, volleyball, soccer, football, track, and cheerleading, providing vital avenues for physical fitness, discipline, and leadership development. Furthermore, the school hosts comprehensive before- and after-school enrichment programs, including Girl Scouts and the Science and Technology Entry Program, which keep students engaged in positive, structured environments well beyond standard school hours.
Community partnerships are a major organizational strength of RACS, deeply embedding the school within the fabric of Monroe County. Collaborations with the Rochester Institute of Technology (NYGearUp), Monroe Community College, and the University of Rochester provide students with unparalleled mentorship and academic research opportunities. The administration strictly prioritizes parent-teacher partnerships, ensuring families are active, informed participants in their children's education. Families choose Rochester Academy Charter School for its safe, inclusive environment, its rigorous STEM-focused academics, and its demonstrated ability to guide students toward exceptional college and career outcomes.
Q: Is there a tuition fee to attend Rochester Academy Charter School?
A: No, RACS is a tuition-free public charter school open to all families residing in the Rochester area.
Q: Do students have to take an entrance exam to be admitted?
A: There are no entrance exams, academic evaluations, or fees required for admission; charter schools encourage applications from all students.
Q: What geographical locations do the campuses cover?
A: RACS operates three campuses: an Elementary school in Gates (Hinchey Rd), a Middle School in Rochester (Genesee St), and a High School in Greece (Latta Rd).
Q: Does the school provide transportation?
A: Yes, eligible students are transported to and from the campuses via yellow school buses.
Q: What academic accolades has the high school received?
A: The high school has been repeatedly recognized with a Best High Schools award from U.S. News and World Report in 2014, 2020, and 2024.
Q: Are there advanced learning opportunities for high schoolers?
A: Absolutely, high school students have access to rigorous Honors courses, Advanced Placement (AP) classes, and Dual Enrollment programs.
Q: Is there a dress code for students?
A: Yes, RACS enforces a uniform dress code policy to promote a safe, orderly environment, instill pride, and eliminate stylistic distractions.
Q: How does the school support English Language Learners and special education?
A: RACS provides comprehensive support through English as a New Language (ENL) programs, Consultant Teachers, and dedicated Resource Rooms.
Q: What community partnerships enhance the student experience?
A: The school partners with local institutions like RIT, MCC, the University of Rochester, and Action for a Better Community to provide enrichment and mentorship.
Q: What sports are available for students to play?
A: The athletics program includes competitive boys' and girls' basketball, girls' volleyball, boys' football, boys' soccer, coed track, and girls' cheerleading.