CAPS Central Ranks as Fourth Best Charter High School in New Jersey

Plainfield, N.J. — College Achieve Central Charter School (CAPS Central), serving predominantly low-income and minority students, has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the nation's top high schools. Making its debut in the annual ranking, the school secured the fourth highest position among charter schools in New Jersey and claimed the highest rank among high schools in the Plainfield district.

"Our results prove that public schools can deliver innovative programs and strong academics for historically underserved students. We've built a model that works, showing that every student has the potential to achieve greatness," said CAPS Central Executive Director, Corri Tate Ravare. "As we prepare to celebrate our third graduating class, achieving a 100% college acceptance rate for the third consecutive year, these rankings affirm that even under the most challenging educational circumstances like a global pandemic, students in our most underserved communities can excel.”

With nearly 24,000 high schools evaluated nationwide, CAPS Central is ranked in the top 11% on the College Readiness Index. U.S. News conducted assessments based on six criteria, including state assessment performance and college preparedness. The College Readiness Index measures the proportion of 12th graders who successfully completed at least one AP or IB exam. These findings are drawn from data collected during the 2021-2022 academic year. Below provides breakdown of the rankings:

· Top 12% among Charter Schools Nationwide: College Achieve Central ranks among the top 12% of charter schools in the country, showcasing its excellence within this educational sector.

· Top 28% in State Rankings: In statewide rankings, College Achieve Central is positioned in the top 28% of schools, highlighting its significant impact on educational outcomes.

· Top 28% in New York Metro Area: Within the New York metropolitan area, College Achieve Central maintains its distinction, ranking among the top 28% of schools.

· Among Top 120 Schools Statewide: College Achieve Central's impressive performance places it among the top 120 schools in the state, a testament to its academic prowess and dedication to student success.

“At the heart of our founding principles at College Achieve lies a deep-seated conviction: every scholar possesses distinctive gifts and talents,” said Mike Piscal, CEO, College Achieve Public Schools. “With the right opportunities, we firmly believe our scholars can excel in leading colleges and universities, fulfilling their aspirations. This recognition underscores our school community’s dedication to our scholars and their futures. Together, we are demonstrating the limitless potential that can be realized.”

Since its opening in 2015, CAPS Central has thrived by maintaining a laser focus on strong academic outcomes and preparing students for college and beyond. The school requires scholars to enroll in at least 3 of its 16 AP class offerings, with the average scholar taking over 5 AP classes. This year, 100 percent of the senior class was accepted to college.

College Achieve Public Schools (CAPS) is a network of K-12 schools in Paterson, Plainfield, Asbury Park and Neptune Township that was created to serve youth who have enormous potential but limited resources. Its mission is to prepare all students to excel in and graduate from the top colleges and universities in the nation. For more information about our schools and how to enroll, visit us at collegeachieve.org/enrollment.