We believe in strong academics for every child.

Renaissance has a “three-tiered curriculum” consisting of core studies, project-based and experiential learning, and community involvement. Each tier is valued as a significant pathway for student learning. 

A central curriculum theme of Renaissance is the study of New York.

Teachers integrate this theme into all aspects of the curriculum. To the fullest extent possible and starting with the youngest grades, the history, culture, geography and economics of New York serve as the integrating focus of traditional academic subjects.

Renaissance teachers innovate daily.

A wide array of teaching methods makes Renaissance distinctive.

As a PK-12 school, Renaissance has the unique ability to integrate subject matter from grade to grade and to take full responsibility for student learning.

This allows expectations for student learning to remain high and consistent throughout the grades.

The PK-12 structure also facilitates better articulation and coordination between grades.

Renaissance respects each student’s individual learning style.

At TRCS, students, staff and parents are treated with dignity, respect, and the support of a caring community.

To make sure the specific needs of each child are identified and met, Renaissance conducts assessments of every student, starting at an early age and repeatedly through their education. They provide more comprehensive evaluations when necessary.

Each at-risk student has an individualized learning plan to set educational goals and record progress. Students also have access to assistive technology based on their individual evaluations, as well as the ongoing support of trained professionals.

We believe each child is unique, and it is our responsibility to honor their talents and skills.

TRCS is more than a school. It’s a community.

Our roots run deep in Jackson Heights. Partnerships with local institutions like 82nd Street Academics, the annual Hispanic Book Fair, and the Jackson Heights Beautification Group provide students with opportunities to grow in the neighborhoods they call home.

Family engagement is also a priority at TRCS. We strive to create safe spaces for parents and guardians as well as students so they can become active with the school.

A dedicated Parent Association, bilingual staff, and our Collaborative School Governance Committee provide community members opportunities to get involved beyond helping with homework and attending parent-teacher conferences.

At Renaissance we care about your well-being and always try to “meet you where you are.”

About TRCS

In 1993, in an effort to reform public education, a group of teachers and parents worked together to establish The Renaissance School.

Energized by a shared conviction that every child has unique and valuable potential that can and deserves to be nurtured, the team worked on a proposal nights and weekends while holding down full-time teaching jobs across the city.

Their efforts paid off. Awarded a New Vision’s start-up grant, The Renaissance School was established.

Renaissance was unique from the beginning.

First, it was designed to be small in a time when the small school movement was just getting under way.

Second, it was K-12 (now PreK-12). Many said this was an impossible task for a public school.

Third, it had a unique governance structure that was democratic and valued collaboration and cooperation rather than a top-down management style.

In 2000, the leadership team of Renaissance jumped at the opportunity to convert to charter status because it was believed that the added autonomy granted by The Charter Act, in exchange for increased accountability, would ultimately allow it to more successfully support the learning of its 530-plus young people.

Renaissance was granted its charter and officially became The Renaissance Charter School in May, 2000.

Since then we have been renewed every term, and we are currently in our 6th charter, through June 30, 2029. Renewal is contingent on meeting academic and other goals set in the charter, having a strong governance structure and demonstrating fiscal soundness and sustainability.

For this achievement, Renaissance has received the prestigious Blackboard Award. Today, Renaissance is one of the city and state’s most successful charter schools.