Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit organization founded in 1997 that establishes and operates high-performing public charter schools in urban communities with limited resources. The organization runs 53 schools across five regions: Boston, Massachusetts; Camden, New Jersey; Newark, New Jersey; New York City; and Rochester, New York.
The schools provide a K-12 education centered on rigorous academics, strong cultural foundations, and extensive student support systems. The model is designed to prepare students from low-income backgrounds for success in higher education. This focus on college readiness is reflected in a key outcome: more than 99% of Uncommon high school graduates gain admission to four-year colleges.