CAPS Paterson Celebrates First Graduating Class with 100% College Acceptance

By Gabriella Dragone

PATERSON, NJ — College Achieve Paterson Charter School (CAPS Paterson), part of a leading network of K-12 public charter schools, is celebrating its first-ever graduating class. All 85 scholars have been accepted into four-year colleges, collectively earning more than $3 million in scholarships.

CAPS Paterson began serving K-12 families in 2017 with a focus on character building, emerging technologies, and individualized teaching. The school’s vision is to prepare all students to succeed in college and return to their local communities as leaders. This vision is upheld today, with 100% of the school’s first graduating class accepted into four-year universities.

“Paterson is my hometown. For every high school graduate, it’s a step to improve the city that I was born and raised in,” Dr. Gemar Mills, Co-Founder & Executive Director of College Achieve Paterson Campus said. “This is a moment in time that gets us halfway there. Our college-going culture prepares students to be accepted into our nation’s top colleges and emboldens them to thrive through college. These are our future leaders, and the scholars who will return to uplift our community. As our first graduating class walks across the stage, together, we can see how we are actively closing the achievement gap in Paterson.”

Students from CAPS Paterson have earned acceptances to Hartwick College, The College of New Jersey, Howard University, University of Southern California, Villanova University, Xavier University, among others. CAPS network alumni have also thrived in prestigious institutions such as Princeton and Harvard.

CAPS Paterson has made significant progress in closing the achievement gap for its students in the years following the COVID-19 pandemic, attributed to its rigorous academic model and individualized student support. During the 2022-2023 school year, CAPS Paterson scholars outperformed the state of New Jersey and Paterson Public School District in English language arts (ELA) and math proficiencies. CAPS Paterson students experienced a 20% increase in their ELA proficiency and a 14% increase in math, compared to approximate 2.5% and 2% increases in ELA and math proficiencies for the state and district, respectively.

“We seek to inspire our scholars to dream big, while preparing them to graduate from the top colleges or universities in the nation,” CAPS Founder Michael Piscal said. “CAPS Paterson’s inaugural graduating class demonstrates that with the right opportunities, every one of our scholars can excel in their next chapter. This achievement is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our students, teachers, and school community. We look forward to seeing how these bright, driven scholars will positively impact our communities as they realize their limitless potential.”

The school credits the impressive college acceptances to their strong college going culture, rigorous curriculum, and academic support. Students are expected to take at least three Advanced Placement (AP) classes throughout their high school career. The Toulmin model, a framework for argumentative writing used at many of the nation’s elite private schools, is also embedded into the curriculum.

CAPS Paterson will observe its high school graduation ceremony between June 17 and 20. Due to increased demand because of a proven academic model, CAPS will expand with two new campuses in Paterson opening in August, ensuring more students have access to a high-quality education.