BelovED Community Charter School: What to Know Before Applying in 2024

Charter schools, such as the BelovED Community Charter School, have been the subject of much debate, with supporters arguing that they offer a more innovative and effective alternative to traditional public schools.

The debate over charter schools is likely to continue for some time. However, there is no doubt that charter schools have played a major role in the education landscape in the United States, and one such school is the BelovED Community Charter School.

This article is a valuable resource for parents and students considering applying to the BelovED Community Charter School. 

Interesting Facts about the Charter School

Charter schools are publicly funded educational institutions operating independently of traditional school districts. They are a relatively new phenomenon, with the first charter school opening in Minnesota in 1992. There are over 7,000 charter schools in the United States, serving over 3 million students.

Charter Schools are unique in being free to design their curriculum, teaching methods, and school policies while still being held accountable for academic results. The schools form through a charter or contract with an authorizing entity, such as a local school board or state education department.

The primary goal of charter schools is to provide innovative and alternative educational options for families. They often have specific missions or focus areas, such as STEM (Science, Engineering, Technology, and Mathematics), arts, language immersion, or serving students with support needs. Charter schools strive to offer diverse and specialized programs that cater to their student populations’ unique needs and interests.

Charter schools are publicly funded and do not charge tuition. They are open to all students within their designated geographic area, although if there are more applicants than available seats, they may use a lottery system for admissions. Charter schools must also adhere to specific legal and ethical guidelines, such as nondiscrimination policies and compliance with state and federal regulations.

Charter schools are spread across the country, and students within the New Jersey region can apply to the BelovED Community Charter School.

BelovED Community Charter School is a public charter school in Jersey City, New Jersey. The school was founded in 2010 to provide all students with top-notch education for success in college and beyond.

Grades and Programs at BelovED Community Charter School

BelovED Community School offers a comprehensive educational experience for kindergarten through eighth-grade students. With a strong emphasis on academic excellence, holistic development, and community engagement, BelovED has different grades and programs for students.

Here’s an overview of the grades and programs available at BelovED Community Charter School:

Kindergarten

BelovED’s kindergarten program is the gateway to a child’s educational journey. Focusing on nurturing young minds, the program introduces key concepts and skills in a supportive and engaging environment. Students develop a love for learning while building a solid foundation for future academic success.

Elementary School (Grades 1-5):

The elementary school program builds upon the kindergarten experience, offering a well-rounded education.

Core subjects such as English language, mathematics, science, and social studies form the backbone of the curriculum. Students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills through interactive and innovative teaching methods.

Middle School (Grades 6-8):

The middle school program prepares students to transition to high school. In addition to core subjects, middle school students can explore specialized classes that deepen their knowledge and skills.

These may include foreign languages, technology, visual and performing arts, and physical education. The curriculum helps to challenge and engage students, fostering their intellectual growth and independence.

STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics):

BelovED integrate STEAM education throughout its curriculum, emphasizing the importance of these disciplines in today’s world. Students develop a strong foundation in STEAM subjects through hands-on activities, project-based learning, and real-world applications.

This approach encourages creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, preparing students for future academic and career pathways.

Special Education:

BelovED is committed to inclusivity and supports students with functional needs. The unique education program offers individualized instruction, accommodations, and services tailored to meet the individual learning requirements of students with diverse abilities. Through a collaborative and supportive approach, every student is allowed to thrive.

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Extracurricular Activities:

BelovED recognizes the importance of extracurricular activities in a well-rounded education. The school offers a variety of extracurricular programs, including sports teams, clubs, and artistic endeavors. Extracurricular activities allow students to explore their interests, develop leadership skills, and foster teamwork and camaraderie.

Community Engagement:

BelovED believes in the power of community engagement and encourages students to actively participate in service-learning projects, community partnerships, and social justice initiatives. By engaging with the community, students develop a sense of empathy, social responsibility, and a deeper understanding of the world around them.

What Are The Unique Features of BelovED Community Charter School?

The BelovED Community Charter School is a public charter school in Jersey City, New Jersey. This institution is a K-10 school with a student body of approximately 1,300 students. 

The numerous unique features of the BelovED Community School are such as: 

• A Value on Social Justice and Community Building: 

The school is named after the “Beloved Community,” a concept of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. that refers to a society where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. The school aims to “prepare students to actively participate in a just and equitable society.”

• Holistic Academic Program: 

BelovED Community Charter School offers a challenging academic program to prepare students for real-world affairs. The school’s students consistently score above average on state standardized tests.

• A Diverse Student Body.

BelovED Community Charter School is committed to diversity and inclusion. The student body consists of students from racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The school is also committed to creating a conducive and supportive environment where students can thrive. 

• Focus on Experiential Learning: The school believes students learn best by doing. The school offers a variety of experiential learning opportunities, such as internships, service learning, and field trips.

In addition to these unique features, prospective students of the Beloved Community Charter School can also participate in other programs and services, such as:

• After-school programs
• Summer programs
• Tutoring
• College Counseling
• Student support services

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BelovED Community Charter School: Admissions Process

The BelovED Community Charter School welcomes all students and does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, gender, or socioeconomic status.

Applications for each school year start on October 15th of the previous year and close on December 1st. If more seats are available than applications for a grade, all New Jersey-resident children who applied will be admitted. A lottery will be held for that grade level, supposing more applications than available seats. 

Suppose seats are still available after the first application period. In that case, subsequent application periods will continue until February 15th, with admissions granted on a first-come, first-served basis for New Jersey-resident children who apply. 

Check the BelovED Community Admission Policies for further information.

BelovED Community Charter School: Application Process

The Beloved Community Charter School is well-regarded, and admission is competitive. The school accepts about 25% of applicants.

1. Prospective students can apply to BelovED online or by mail.
2. Intending students must take a standardized test. The test is held in January.
3. Applicants residing in New Jersey or with siblings in BelovED Community Charter School receive preferential admission.
4. Applicants must submit the following:

• A completed application form
• A copy of the student’s birth certificate
• A copy of the student’s most recent report card
• A letter of recommendation from a teacher or other adult who knows the student well

Note

1. BCCS selects applicants through a lottery.
2. The lottery is held in January. ( Find additional info about the BCCS lottery below)
3. Successful candidates will receive an acceptance letter by February.
4. The school is open to students who live in the Jersey City area.
5. The school offers limited scholarships to students who qualify.**

If you want to apply to the Beloved Community Charter School, please visit the BCCS website for more information.

Some valuable tips for increasing your chances of being accepted to the Beloved Community Charter School:

• Submit a complete application on time.
• Do well on the standardized test.
• Write a robust writing sample.
• Be involved in your community.
• Attend an open house or visit the school.

BelovED Community Charter School: Eligibility Requirements

Beloved Community Charter School conducts public admission lotteries where they invite the applicants’ families to attend. Each applicant is assigned a number, recorded on a card, along with the grade, city of residence, and information about siblings applying. 

These cards are placed in grade-specific drums based on preference. An impartial community leader draws the cards in a random admission drawing, observed by a Jersey City School District representative, to ensure fairness.

The school records the applicant numbers chronologically to create grade-level admission/wait lists. If a child’s card is removed and they have a sibling applying their and sibling’s numbers are recorded on the appropriate grade level list. If there is not enough space for both children in a grade, the child with available space will be admitted, and the other child will remain on the waitlist for that grade.

Any applications received after the application period and a random drawing will be added to the waitlist in the order they were received. The school notifies parents/guardians about their child’s admission status.

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BCCS: Application deadline

The application deadline at BelovED Community Charter School typically ends in December. However, applications may be extended if less than the expected number of students apply in a given academic year. 

BelovED Community Charter School: Curriculum and Instruction

The Beloved Community Charter School’s curriculum aligns with the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards. The curriculum is divided into four main areas:

• English Language Arts
• Mathematics
• Science
• Social Studies

• Curriculum: The school’s curriculum aligns with the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards. The curriculum covers various subjects, including English language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, world languages, art, music, and physical education.

• Instruction: Staff at BCCS use various instructional methods to engage students and help them learn. These methods include hooks, lectures, discussions, group work, and hands-on activities.

• Extracurricular activities: BCCS indulges in extracurricular activities, such as sports, clubs, and student government. These activities provide students with the opportunity to develop their interests and talents.

English Language Arts (ELA) K-5

In the BelovED Community Charter School, kindergarten through 5th-grade pupils learn the basics of reading, writing, and speaking.

They learn to read and understand texts, including fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. They also learn to write for various purposes, including informing, persuading, and entertaining. In addition, pupils learn to speak clearly and effectively in different settings.

English Language Arts (ELA) HS

This level is mainly for high schoolers. At this level, Beloved Community Charter School students continue to develop their reading, writing, and speaking skills. They are introduced to more complex texts, different genres of literature, and writing assignments. 

Students must also learn to analyze and evaluate texts and write in various genres. Moreso, students can participate in extracurricular activities involving writing, such as the school newspaper and the debate team.

In addition to ELA classes, students take other courses that help them develop their writing skills, such as history, social studies, and science.

Humanities MS

In middle school, students learn about different cultures and civilizations. They also learn about other cultures, religions, periods, and literary genres. They also develop their critical thinking and analytical skills.

Furthermore, students can participate in extracurricular activities involving humanities, such as the drama club and the debate team.

In addition to humanities classes, students take other courses that help them develop their critical thinking skills, such as math, science, and social studies.

Math

In kindergarten, students learn the basics of math. They learn about numbers, shapes, and patterns.

Generally, students at Beloved Community Charter School learn mathematics in all grades. They are taught the fundamentals of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and statistics. They also learn to solve problems and to think mathematically. 

Not just that, students have the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities involving mathematics, such as the math club and the robotics team.

Science

In kindergarten, students learn about the natural world. They learn about animals, plants, and the environment. In first grade, students continue to learn about the natural world. They learn about the solar system, the Earth, and the human body.

By second grade, students focus on the Earth and space. They learn about the different layers of the Earth, the different planets in the solar system, and the different stars in the universe.

In third grade, students focus on life science. They learn about different types of animals, plants, and ecosystems.

Fourth to fifth grades learn about different types of matter, energy, and forces with a focus on chemistry. They learn about the other elements and compounds that make up matter.

Students study biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science at the upper levels. They learn about the properties of matter, the laws of motion, the structure of living things, and the Earth’s environment.

Social Studies

Students at Beloved Community Charter School learn social studies at all levels. They learn about the history, government, and geography of the world. They engage in activities that encourage critical thinking about social issues. 

More still, students can participate in extracurricular activities involving social studies, such as the debate team and the Model UN team.

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BelovED Community Charter School: Student Life

BCCS has an inclusive student life. 

Extracurricular Activities

The school actively promotes a sense of community through various initiatives and activities. Students have opportunities to engage in extracurricular clubs, sports, and artistic pursuits, fostering their talents and interests outside the classroom.

The school also organizes regular community events, such as cultural celebrations, service projects, and parent involvement programs, to strengthen the bond between students, families, and the wider community.

This collaborative and inclusive atmosphere creates a vibrant and supportive school community. Clubs include the drama club, the debate team, the math club, the science club, the robotics team, and the student government. Student government is a student-run organization representing the students’ interests to the school administration.

Student Activities

In addition to extracurricular activities, BelovED Community Charter School students participate in various other activities, such as the school newspaper, the yearbook, and the musical.

The school newspaper is a student-run publication that reports on school events and news. The yearbook is published annually and contains photos and articles about the school year. The school musical is a production the students put on every year.

Student Life

Student life at BelovED Community Charter School is vibrant and active. The emphasis on social justice education and community engagement nurtures a strong sense of civic responsibility among students, empowering them to impact their local and global communities positively.

School Spirit

BelovED Community Charter School has a strong sense of school spirit. Students are proud to be a part of the school and show their support by wearing school colors, cheering at sporting events, and participating in school activities.

Student Demographics

The student body at BelovED Community Charter School is 50% male and 50% female. The student body is also diverse, with students from various racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

The school is committed to diversity and inclusion and strives to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all students.

Tutoring: 

The school offers tutoring in various subjects, including math, science, English, and history. Tutoring is available before and after school and during lunch, and counseling services to students struggling with academic, social, or emotional problems. Counseling is available on a confidential basis.

Students Culture 

School culture at BelovED Community Charter School includes:

• The school has a dress code that promotes respect and professionalism.
• They have a zero-tolerance policy for bullying and harassment.
• The school encourages students to participate in extracurricular activities.
•  They also have a strong focus on community service.

BelovED Community Charter School: Faculty and Staff

BCCS has specific qualification requirements for faculties and staff. For example, 

• All faculty members hold bachelor’s degrees in education.
• Most hold master’s degrees.
• The average faculty member has taught for ten years.
• Many faculty members have taught for more than 20 years.

All BelovED Community Charter School teachers are certified by the New Jersey Department of Education. They have a bachelor’s degree in education and have passed the state’s teacher certification exam. 

The student-teacher ratio at BelovED Community Charter School is 14:1. Which means each student has an average of 14 classmates and one teacher.

BelovED Community Charter School: Parent Involvement

Parent involvement is an integral part of a child’s education. When parents are involved in their children’s education, they are helping them to succeed in school and life. There are many opportunities for parent involvement at BelovED Community Charter School.

Importance of Parent Involvement

Parent involvement is essential for several reasons. First, it helps to improve student achievement. Studies have shown that students whose parents are involved in their education tend to do better in school. 

Second, parent involvement creates a positive school climate. When parents are concerned about their child’s welfare, they can help to develop a sense of community and support at the school. Third, parent involvement can help to build relationships between parents and teachers. When parents and teachers know each other, they can work together to support students better.

Opportunities for Parent Involvement at BCCS

There are many opportunities for parents to get involved at BelovED Community Charter School. Some of the ways parents can get involved include:

• Volunteering in the classroom
• Attending school events
• Serving on school committees
• Helping with homework
• Talking to their children about school
• Supporting their children’s learning at home

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

BelovED Community Charter School is truly dedicated to providing a nurturing and supportive learning environment for all students. Through their focus on academic excellence, character development, and community engagement, they set a high standard for education.

The commitment of the staff and teachers to each student’s success is evident in the positive impact on the student’s growth and achievements.

As a beacon of hope and opportunity, BelovED Community Charter Schools exemplify what it means to create a thriving educational community where every child can flourish.

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References

• Charter Schools in Jersey City are Having a Moment
• BelovED Charter School Senior Offered Full Scholarship to Princeton
• Beloved Community Charter School Students Continue to Thrive, Overcoming Pandemic Learning Challenges, According to Latest 2022 Test Scores | Elizabeth, NJ News TAPinto
• Apply to Enroll Your Child – Beloved Community Charter School