Our MissionInnovators Charter School provides a rigorous wall-to-wall early college STEM education for historically underrepresented students in grades 6-12 from the Gateway Cities of Fall River and New Bedford. Our students develop a strong sense of identity, advocacy, and agency as they engage in deeper learning within a college culture. Our students learn the mindset, content knowledge, and creative insight to thrive in a changing world. Our educators understand the neuroscience of adolescent development and believe that students learn best in an environment where social, emotional, and academic needs are met through relevant, rigorous, and authentic assignments applicable to their lives.
Why Early College STEM? Careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) are in high demand. Adjusted for population, Massachusetts has more demand for STEM jobs than almost any other state. And, entry level wages for STEM careers are twice that for all Massachusetts occupations.
What is Wall-to-Wall Early College?
Every student at Innovators takes free college courses while in high school. Our wall-to-wall design starts with our middle school students engaging in courses that are sequenced to prepare them for advanced coursework in high school. Students receive support throughout their academic journey so that they are ready to take college courses as early as the 9th and 10th grade with the goal of full time college-going in the 11th and 12th grade. Our students earn their high school diploma along with transferable college credits, up to and including an Associate's Degree. Innovators Charter School works with University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Bristol Community College and Landmark College. Our STEM focus is designed to give students multiple pathways: entering the workforce with a STEM credential, or continuing their college journey.