On Thursday evening, the graduating class of 2020 of the Community Health Academy of the Heights (CHAH) held their online commencement ceremony, complete with lots of humor and a close knit feel despite the physical distance.
The school, which was opened in 2005 in Washington Heights and serves grades 6-12, prides itself on the strong sense of community it provides for its students. This has allowed significant academic achievements and a 90 percent graduation rate, compared to a citywide average of 70 percent.
CHAH enrolls 707 students, of which 95 percent are black or Latino; 90 percent qualify for free or reduced price lunch. Most of the students graduating will become the first of their family to attend university.
“One thing that sets us apart is that we are a community school that really believes in the education of the whole child,” said Principal David Falciani. “We take care of every need that a child has. If you are hungry, we can feed you. If you need time to do your homework, we can give you that.”
According to Falciani, this commitment to each student’s wellbeing is the key to the school’s high graduation rates. During the COVID-19 pandemic, staff spent a lot of time catering to each student’s needs, including providing meals for families in need. Teachers regularly check in with the wellbeing of their students.
“Everyone in that building, from food workers to the principal, believes strongly in what we do,” said Falciani.
In terms of academics, the school strives for a progressive curriculum design that challenges students and provides them with various opportunities. As part of CHAH’s advising program, each teacher works with a small group of students to set attainable goals for individuals every school year.
Graduates of CHAH have been recipients of prestigious awards, overcoming many personal hardships along the way. One student has earned a $72,000 scholarship to Pratt Institute, while helping her mother who suffered a stroke a few years ago. Another student is the primary caretaker of her four younger siblings, including a sister with a brain tumor, but nevertheless pushed through to graduate and will attend Borough of Manhattan Community College in the fall.
In addition, students at CHAH are consistently encouraged to invest in their communities. Starting in 6th grade, students participate in marches and community projects, instilling in them a stronger connection to their communities and sense of responsibility, as well as honing leadership skills.
But the main thing that both students and staff value about CHAH is the strong sense of belonging, as stated by one graduate at a recent press conference alongside Mayor Bill de Blasio (D), and as was echoed throughout the graduation ceremony of the class of 2020.
“Our kids come back all the time. They see us as an extension of their home,” said Falciani.
CHAH was ranked 26th best high school in New York City and has received the Silver Medal from U.S. News and World Report.
