PCSST is a public charter school within the New Jersey public school system and is fully accredited by the New Jersey Department of Education. PCSST serves more than 1,700 students across four campuses: K–1 Campus, 2–3 Campus, 4–7 Campus, and 8–12 Campus.
In 2000, a group of concerned parents and community members established a founding board to create a charter school with a focus on science and technology for the students of Paterson. In 2001, Commissioner Davis C. Hespe approved the charter for Paterson Charter School for Science and Technology (PCSST), making it the first charter school in Paterson and paving the way for its opening.
The 2001–2002 academic year was designated as the planning year for PCSST. The following year, in September 2003, PCSST opened its doors at the Mill Street building with 178 students in grades 6, 7, and 9.
In September, PCSST moved to its newly designed Wabash Building serving grades 6, 7, 8, and 9.
The first renewal was granted in February 2007. PCSST Board of Trustees applied for expansion for grades K-5 and an additional capacity for 480 students. The expansion was granted in October 2008.
In September, grades 2-5 opened in the St. Teresa school building with 180 students.
With the addition of kindergarten and 1st grade, a full K-12 school was established. In September, grades K-6 relocated to the Wabash Avenue building. Grades 7-12 moved into the 11th Avenue building.
PCSST went into 2nd renewal process in January 2012. PCSST High School went through an accreditation process with Middle States Association during the 2013-2014 Academic year.
PCSST celebrated its first Ivy League acceptance to Cornell University.
In September, grades 7-12 moved to PCSST’s new, state-of-the-art facility on West Railway Avenue. PCSST was granted MSA Accreditation for 7 years.
(Dec 2014-Dec 2021)
First acceptance and enrollment to Princeton University with a full scholarship.
PCSST went through its third renewal and applied for expansion in October 2016.
In February 2017, the expansion was granted for an additional 516 students over the next 5 years.
PCSST Boys Varsity Basketball Team earned their first title as Meadowlands Champion.
In September 2017, grades K & 1 relocated to our 3rd building on the Main Street (former Barney's building) with 280 students.
PCSST proudly maintained the Meadowland Division Champion title for both the 2018–19 and 2019–20 seasons.
In the 2019–2020 school year, PCSST JROTC earned the prestigious recognition of Honor Unit of Distinction (HUD) through the Program of Accreditation (JPA).
That same year, PCSST also proudly achieved the title of North Group 1 Champion.
In Fall 2021, PCSST proudly opened its 2–3 Campus at 53 E 34th St, Paterson, NJ.
Following the October 26–29, 2021 Middle States reaccreditation site visit, PCSST was recommended for “Excellence by Design” accreditation.
In November 2021, grades 2 & 3 relocated to our 4th building on East 34th Street (former United Yarn building) with 280 students.
In Spring 2019, PCSST celebrated a remarkable achievement with its first student acceptance and enrollment at the prestigious United States Military Academy at West Point, marking a proud moment in the school’s history. The student pursued studies in Marine Biology, paving the way for future PCSST graduates to aim high and follow their dreams.
Celebrated 20th Year at Montclair University
The PCSST Middle School Flag Football Team won the Charter League championship.
PCSST proudly earned the titles of NJIC Champions and N1 G1 State Champions, showcasing the team’s dedication, talent, and hard work. This dual achievement stands as a testament to their excellence and determination both on and off the field.
PCSST proudly staged its first-ever musical production, Frozen Jr. Bringing together the talents of students in acting, singing, and stage design, the performance marked a milestone in the school’s journey, showcasing creativity, teamwork, and artistic excellence.
In March 2025, PCSST Middle School proudly claimed the NCAA Championship title, marking a historic achievement for the team. This victory reflects the athletes’ dedication, teamwork, and determination, standing as a proud moment in PCSST’s athletic history.
In March 2025, PCSST achieved a remarkable feat by securing both the NJIC Championship and the N1 G1 State Championship, underscoring the school’s athletic excellence and competitive spirit.
In March 2025, PCSST’s robotics team made school history by becoming the first ever team from PCSST to compete at the VEX Robotics World Championship in Texas.
In January 2026, PCSST expanded its Dual Enrollment Program through a new partnership with Montclair State University, giving eligible students access to college-level coursework and campus resources.
In March 2026, PCSST opened The Lion’s HUB, an on-campus behavioral health center created with Care Plus NJ to support student wellness and family access to care.
In 2026, PCSST was recognized with the DAANJ Neil Rosa Program of Excellence Award for its commitment to education-based athletics, student leadership, teamwork, and character development.
In 2026, PCSST Middle School Basketball made history as the Girls captured the CSAL Championship with a 13–0 season, while the Boys secured back-to-back titles and completed an undefeated two-year run.
In May 2026, PCSST hosted its first-ever Science Award Night, celebrating scholars’ achievements across robotics, science, engineering, mathematics, and STEM competitions.
In June 2026, PCSST earned the NJDOE Lighthouse Award for expanding access to dual enrollment, helping more students earn college credits while preparing for success beyond high school.
In October, PCSST was featured in Education Insider Magazine as a Top Charter School of 2026. The article, “Guided by Data, Driven by Students,” highlights our data-driven instruction and commitment to student success.
Next Renewal Visit 2026 - 2027
