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Date: 6/2/2022
CHICOPEE – In their goal of providing rigorous college preparation for educationally under-resourced students, the Hampden Charter School of Science ranked 19 among the 378 public high schools in the state, according to the U.S. News and World Report.
Based on their report, the school ranked as the best in the Springfield area and was the only Western Mass. school to rank in the top 25. Chief Executive Officer of Hampden Charter School of Science Tarkan Topcuoglu considered the recognition a “proud moment.”
“This is a true testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, teachers, staff and families,” said Topcuoglu.
Founded in 2009, the Hampden Charter School of Science originally educated students in Grades 6 through 9. The school expanded to high-school education in 2014. With both programs, Topcuoglu explained the school’s focus on providing students preparation for college education.
“It’s a college prep school and we have a rigorous academic program…The program we offer students is really getting them to excel in the next chapter of their life,” said Topcuoglu.
Some of the school’s academic programs include 13 college-level, advance placement (AP) courses, honors courses for each subject and a capstone program that allows students to complete a research project after passing five AP programs. The school also offers extra circulars like robotics, the Science Olympiad, student councils and a variety of athletic programs.
Topcuoglu shared that the school achieves a 90 percent or higher graduation rate in most years. In 2022, the school reached a 100 percent graduation rate for its senior class, with most students receiving a full or partial scholarship, according to Topcuoglu.
Several graduates went on to attend ivy league and other prestigious colleges, while most graduates represent first-generation college students.
“It’s really great to see. Those students are excited to go to the next chapter of their education…Seeing students as first-generation college students is a great feeling. This is a lifetime opportunity for them,” said Topcuoglu.
For Topcuoglu, he said the school’s biggest achievement is providing opportunities for economically disadvantaged students.
“I am so proud we are serving students from under privileged communities…Seeing them graduate from Hampden with the knowledge, skills and discipline they need to succeed in college is truly rewarding for us,” said Topcuoglu.
Readers can learn more about Hampden Charter School of Science at https://hampdencharter.org/.