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Achieving Excellence Together

RACS is a K-12 Free Public Charter School

High School » Message From Our Principal

Message From Our Principal

Dear RACS High School Families,
 
It is with great pride and excitement that I welcome you to the 2026–27 school year at Rochester Academy Charter High School. This year marks a pivotal moment for our school community as we expand our horizons, deepen our academic foundation, and celebrate major milestones together.
 
Our commitment to excellence has recently been validated in a powerful way: Rochester Academy has been granted a long-term four-year charter renewal, a reflection of the relentless hard work, dedication, and high standards of our students, staff, and families. Alongside this renewal, we have earned a State-approved increase in enrollment, allowing us to welcome more students into our RACS family and extend our mission to a broader community.
 
To ensure our students receive a transformative education this year, we are introducing several key strategic shifts across our academic and athletic programs:
 
  • Hands-On Experiential Learning: We are expanding opportunities for real-world, experiential learning, giving students immersive experiences that connect classroom concepts to practical career and life skills.
  • Refocusing on Fundamentals: To strengthen core reading and writing skills, we are intentionally reducing screen time and technology use (such as Chromebooks) throughout the school day. Returning to pen-and-paper fundamentals will foster deeper focus, retention, and critical literacy.
  • Responsible AI Integration: As technology evolves, we are guiding students in the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence. At RACS, AI will be utilized strictly as a "thought partner" to prompt deeper inquiry, never as a substitute for original thought or critical analysis.
  • Athletic & Academic Growth with Aquinas: We are proud to announce a new partnership with the Aquinas Institute starting with football, with potential expansion into other sports. This collaboration expands both athletic exposure and academic enrichment opportunities for our student-athletes.
 
At RACS, our staff continue to wear many hats—teacher, mentor, caretaker, and role model. Whether in the classroom, on the field, or behind the scenes, our mission remains steadfast: we teach, and we care.
 
We will continue to strengthen our partnerships with parents and community members to ensure every learner is prepared for the future. I encourage you to reach out throughout the year with your ideas, suggestions, or questions so we can work together in support of our students.
 
Here’s to a remarkable 2026–27 school year of growth, rigor, and new opportunities!
 
Respectfully,
Samuel Martina, Ed.D.
Principal