Former Education Secretary John B. King Jr. to Visit College Achieve

Plainfield, NJ — May 2025 — College Achieve Central Charter School (CAPS) is proud to welcome former U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. John B. King Jr. for a special student assembly this month. A lifelong advocate for equity in education, Dr. King’s visit highlights CAPS as a leading example of how public charter schools can close opportunity gaps and deliver outstanding academic results for low-income and first-generation college-bound students.
Dr. King’s personal story reflects the transformative power of education. After losing both parents by the age of twelve and being expelled from high school, he credits his teachers with helping him find purpose and a path forward. He cites their belief in him resulting in degrees from Harvard, Yale, and Columbia, and ultimately elevating him to roles as New York State Education Commissioner, U.S. Secretary of Education under President Obama, and now Chancellor of the State University of New York. His life’s work mirrors CAPS’ mission to ensure every student is supported, challenged, and prepared for long-term success.
“Dr. King has long been one of the most powerful voices in education, and I’m honored to call him both a friend, a fellow Pahara Institute alumnus, and a fellow teacher,” said Michael D. Piscal, CEO of College Achieve Public Schools. “His story reminds us what’s possible when students—especially those from underserved communities—are offered the opportunity to receive a world class college prep education. That’s the mission we pursue every day at College Achieve. His book ‘Teacher By Teacher’ pays homage to the hardworking people who changed his life. We can relate. It is College Achieve's incredible teachers that make the dream a reality for our students.”
This visit comes at a time of extraordinary achievement for CAPS. For the third consecutive year, College Achieve Central is sending a scholar to an Ivy League institution on a full scholarship. This year, senior Carlos Mendez Bonilla has earned acceptances to MIT, Brown University, and Dartmouth College, among other highly selective institutions. His accomplishments reflect what’s possible when students’ aspirations are met with high expectations, meaningful support, and a belief in their potential.
"We are honored to welcome Secretary King to our school community," said Natica Brown, Head of School of College Achieve Central. "Dr. King's mission aligns to CAPS, with a shared vision to provide the highest quality opportunity for every student. Despite circumstances, College Achieve Central believes that quality education changes circumstance. CAPS students, like King, are achieving undeniable feats. We are pleased to welcome King to share his experiences with our scholars and community."
CAPS has developed a model rooted in academic excellence and college readiness. All high school students are required to take a minimum of three Advanced Placement (AP) courses before graduation. College readiness is embedded as early as elementary school, with a strong emphasis on early literacy, writing instruction based on the Toulmin model, and evidence-based strategies across classrooms. CAPS scholars have a 100% college acceptance rate of its graduates to post-secondary institutions, with the majority attending four-year universities, including Ivy League schools such as Harvard and the University of Pennsylvania, as well as prestigious liberal arts colleges and state universities. Many students receive full or partial scholarships, helping ensure each graduate finds a college path that fits their goals and potential.
Secretary King’s visit is a meaningful opportunity for the CAPS community to reflect on its progress and recommit to the work ahead—ensuring that every student, regardless of background, has access to a world-class education and opportunity for future success.