PRIDE (Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Dedication and Excellence) is the focus of our Habits of Character which come to life at each campus. At EMHCS the faculty, staff, and students view themselves as self-reflective, continuous learners. Students are taught that in order to succeed, you need to believe in your ability to learn. Then you need to work hard to gain skills and knowledge. Therefore, the school’s motto is “Believe, Achieve, Succeed.”

Parents see themselves as partners in their children’s education. They are active members of the school community and participate in our PTO and advisory committee. EMHCS has two parent representatives on the Board of Trustees with full voting rights.

Curriculum and Instruction

Eugenio María de Hostos (EMHCS) is an EL Education School . EL Education is a school reform model emphasizing high achievement through active learning, character growth, and teamwork. Students engage in their learning through expeditions, case studies, and projects. Students demonstrate ownership of their learning when they engage in student-led conferences annually.

In EL Education schools, each student is known well by at least one adult within the school. One structure for developing this relationship—and supporting students socially, emotionally, and academically – is the crew. Crew allows students to build positive connections with their peers and with their crew leader. At EMHCS, we are CREW!

Eugenio María de Hostos Charter School provides a bilingual educational program that teaches literacy and numeracy while learning two languages! The bilingual program promotes bilingualism and biliteracy, grade-level academic achievement, and cross-cultural competence in all students. Students maintain their native language while adding another language and cultivate pride in their own culture while developing an understanding and respect for others. The bilingual program offers a K-4 Dual Language Program pathway and the 3-12 Spanish Language Program pathway to prepare students to earn the NYS Seal of Biliteracy, a designation on their high school diploma.

The K-4 Dual Language program pathway is for all students. Students participating in this program become proficient in their native language while learning a second language. Students learn content (math, science, and social studies) in Spanish and English on alternating days. Students take literacy (reading and writing) in their dominant language and receive additional instruction in their second language.

At EMHCS, we value language! For students in grades 3-12, we offer a Spanish Language Program. Students are separated into two tracks depending on the student’s proficiency in the Spanish language. Students who have been in our school since kindergarten, performing at grade level in Spanish and native speakers, are placed in the Spanish Language Arts track. Students who are new to the school or lack the foundational skills in Spanish are placed in the World Language Spanish track.

At EMHCS, our mission is for students to earn the New York State Seal of Biliteracy (NYSSB) in English and Spanish. The NYSSB recognizes high school graduates who have attained a high level of proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in one or more languages in addition to English. Benefits to obtaining the Seal of Biliteracy include:

Promotes the study of languages

• Identify high school graduates with language and biliteracy skills for employers
• Provide universities with additional information about applicants seeking admission
• Prepare students with twenty-first-century skills
• Recognize the value of foreign and native language instruction in schools
• Affirm the value of diversity in a multilingual society.

At EMHCS, students can earn the NYS Seal of Civic Readiness (NYSSCR). The NYSSCR is a formal recognition that a student attained a high level of proficiency in their social studies coursework and demonstrated civic engagement.

Athletic Program

Home of the Hostos Hornets! EMHCS is part of the Private Parochial League (PPL) of Rochester. More details here.