HCSS High School

Teachers are hard at work finishing up for new students tomorrow and everyone on Monday. Excitement is in the air!!

We are so happy to start our High School adventure with everyone!! Teachers are hard at work preparing. It’s going to be a great year!!

Dear HCSS Community,
It is with immense pride and excitement that I welcome you to another exceptional year at Hampden Charter School of Science (HCSS)!
As we begin this new academic year, I would like to remind you of two important milestones we achieved earlier this year. The former Massachusetts Commissioner of Education, Jeff Riley, not only granted our beloved HCSS an unconditional renewal of our charter but also approved our plan to optimize our schools by designating the Chicopee campus as our high school and the West Springfield campus as our dedicated middle school. These approvals, as we celebrate our 15th year, underscore our unwavering commitment to education, care, and preparing our students for college and beyond.
Since our founding in 2009, HCSS has been dedicated to paving the way for college admissions and numerous scholarship opportunities. Our College and Career Readiness program is tailored to help each student discover their unique talents and interests, set aspirational goals, and find the best-fit college or university. With Advanced Placement(AP), CLEP, and PLTW courses starting from 9th grade and the College Board AP Capstone Diploma Program, we provide a rigorous academic program that fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and essential skills for success. Additionally, our students benefit from project-based instruction, hands-on experiences, and a math and science curriculum enhanced by technology and extended learning hours. We are also excited to continue enriching our students' education through international experiences, with recent trips to Europe and Costa Rica, and more planned for the future.
At HCSS, we believe in the holistic development of our students. We encourage physical fitness and team spirit through our MIAA League sports, including basketball, volleyball, soccer, cross country, indoor track, tennis, softball, and wrestling. We are incredibly proud to announce that our wrestling team members have become State Champions, and one of our students has earned the prestigious title of All-American by placing 5th at the Nationals. Our students not only learn the value of discipline and teamwork but also develop lifelong skills and friendships. Beyond athletics, our Out of School Learning Experience program offers free educational trips to iconic in-state locations for each grade level, and we provide over 15 different social clubs, including Robotics, Math Counts, and AMC Advanced Clubs, where students can explore their interests and nurture their passions.
We are thrilled to share that HCSS has been recognized in the top 5% of high schools nationwide by US News & World Report 2024 and as one of the Top 3 best high schools in Western Massachusetts. Our students have consistently achieved impressive college acceptance rates and substantial scholarships. This year, we are proud to announce a 100% college acceptance rate, with the Class of 2024 gaining admission to prestigious institutions such as Boston University, Northeastern, WPI, RPI, UCONN, UMASS, Rutgers, Ohio State, Penn State, Michigan State, and many more. These accomplishments reflect the dedication and hard work of our entire community.
As we embark on this new academic year, we are committed to providing an exceptional educational experience for all our students. We are also excited to introduce staff members who bring valuable experience and leadership to our schools. Ms. Trudeau will lead as the High School Director, Mrs. Nelson will serve as the Middle School Director, Mr. Borelli will be the High School Dean of Students and District Resource Officer, Mr. Moore will be the Middle School Dean of Students, Mrs. Forni will be the Middle School Dean of Academics, and Mr. Lewis will be the Director of the Counseling Department at the High School, with Ms. Colon as the Director of Counseling at the Middle School.
I am also pleased to announce that we have increased our number of buses to better serve our community and arranged two late buses for after-school clubs, ensuring transportation from the Chicopee Campus to the West Springfield Campus. You will hear from us soon with detailed information about transportation arrangements.
Together, we will foster an environment where every student can achieve their fullest potential, both academically and personally. I look forward to seeing the incredible achievements and growth that this year will bring.
Warm regards,

Tarkan Topcuoglu, EdS.
CEO/Superintendent
Hampden Charter School of Science

https://youtu.be/JUo2kXoerLY

Graduation Ceremony - 2024 - Hampden Charter School of Science Graduation Ceremony - 2024 - Hampden Charter School of Science

Check out these amazing photos from our graduation ceremony.
To our seniors: As you step into the next chapter of your lives, remember that you have the strength, knowledge, and courage to achieve anything you set your minds to. Keep shining bright and making us proud!

Thank you to all the teachers, staff, and families who have supported our students along the way. Your dedication and love have made all the difference.

Hampden Charter School Wedding Photographer near me, Family photographer, photographer near me

HCSS held the 6th and 7th Grade Portfolio Showcase Saturday, June 1st. This event celebrated of our students' achievements and provided them with the opportunity to showcase their best work from their digital portfolios. Students showed completed projects from both their Science and History classes.

HCSS Annual Color Run was a success. The Color Run at HCSS is a mile run. At each mark, Color Runners are doused from head to toe in a different colored powder. Participants wear white at the starting line and finish the race plastered in color. Once the race is over, the fun continues.

Hampden Charter School of Science 8th graders and 11th graders enjoyed their Excellence Field Trip to Boston with Harbor Cruises for the whale watch experience of a lifetime. The destination: Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary, a rich feeding ground for whales, dolphins, sea birds and other marine creatures. Stellwagen is home to many species of large whales, including humpbacks, finbacks and minks. Students saw around 13 whales including a baby whale.

Hampden Charter School of Science held its annual Pass the Baton Luncheon from the Class of 2024 to the Class of 2025. Hampden Charter School of Science is proud to recognize students who demonstrate our core values and who strive for academic excellence. This year we were excited to acknowledge 34 students who achieved greatness in a number of ways. Students in the following categories were awarded Apple MacBook computers to help them continue their academic pursuits in college and beyond:

Distinguished Scholar Award: 4.0 GPA, Tier 1 University acceptance, 1250 or higher SAT
Meritorious Scholar Award: Top 50 College acceptance
Distinctive Scholar Award: 3.75 or higher GPA, Tier 1 acceptance, above state average SAT
Outstanding Academic Excellence Award: Ivy League College Acceptance

In addition to the awards honoring our Seniors, HCSS had seven Juniors honored with “College Book Awards”. Every year colleges recognize outstanding Juniors who exemplify academic success, character, respect, and achievement. Juniors are nominated by their school and selected students receive a book chosen by the awarding college. It is a great honor to be nominated and selected - this year we were pleased to have Book Awards from: Harvard University, Dartmouth College, Western New England University, St. Josephs University, Salem State University, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, and Suffolk University.

We hope to be able to recognize and reward many more students in the years to come.

The HCSS East 6th graders attended a nature filled field trip to Next Level Adventures at Camp Wilder in Springfield! Students enjoyed learning to kayak, challenged themselves with a balance wire, low ropes course, and climbing a tree! The skills students built during this trip helped them realize their own inner strengths and work together as a team.

Thirteen Hampden Charter School of Science 8th Graders participated in the YMCA Model Youth Legislature in Boston. Student wrote their own bills, presented and debated. During open debate times, HCSS students utilized their accountable talks skills. In doing so, the students from the other school followed suit.

Three Rivers and Chicopee fire departments demonstrated life saving and CPR techniques and presented on the dangers of driving impaired.

HCSS Hiking Trip - Mount Sugarloaf, Deerfield, MA

Today was the last day of senior year for the Class of 2024.

Hampden Charter School of Science Celebrated Memorial Day with a flag ceremony with American Veterans of Foreign Wars. Students asked insightful questions while remembering and honoring our fallen soldiers.

Old and New Connecticut State House Field Trip

Hampden Charter School of Science Junior and Senior Prom

HCSS East Hiking Trip - Chapel Brook Falls

Congratulations to our AP Capstone Diploma recipients. Students who earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research and on four additional AP Exams of their choosing receive the AP Capstone Diploma™.

Congratulations to HCSS Drama Club for putting on an excellent performance of Greek Mythology Olympiagnza

Sixth grade rocked it with math 6 Khan Academy skills, and 6D took the crown! We celebrated with an ice cream party during class, sharing the sweetness of success.

Hampden Charter School Wishes You a Happy Mother's Day

Congratulations to the Quarter 3 Honor Roll Students

Thank you PTO for celebrating teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week.

HCSS Celebrates students with a stellar PBIS record with a donut party.

Happy Cinco de Mayo

https://www.masslive.com/highschoolsports/2024/05/tennis-scoreboard-hampden-charter-school-of-science-east-girls-remain-undefeated-more.html

Great Job Girls Tennis!

Tennis Scoreboard: Hampden Charter School of Science East girls remain undefeated & more Take a look at the boys and girls tennis scores from around the region Tuesday.

The sophomore class had an enchanting time at Shakespeare and Company's exciting production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream." Students enjoyed a Q & A and photo op with the cast as well as time outside to hang out and have fun.

Hiking club is back! Students went to Sanderson Brook Falls.