Argosy Collegiate Charter School’s story is deeply tied to the rich history and diversity of Fall River. Our Founding Director, Kristen Pavao, was born and raised here, raised her son here, and began her career in education here. Her six years of classroom experience in Fall River highlighted the city’s need for a public high school option focused on preparing scholars for college and post-secondary success.
In 2012, Ms. Pavao had a transformative experience visiting a public charter school in Boston where 1st grade scholars were deeply engaged in a middle school level linear math lesson. Motivated to do more to increase the educational opportunities for scholars in Fall River, Ms. Pavao began exploring educational leadership opportunities, ultimately applying for and accepting a Fellowship with Building Excellent Schools, a dynamic non-profit organization that provides exceptional school leadership development to transform public school education in high needs communities. During her Fellowship, Ms. Pavao visited a number of high-performing charter schools across the country and began developing plans to open her own school in Fall River.
During the Fellowship, Ms. Pavao spent a year visiting dozens of high performing charter schools across the country to study best practices for
academic success in high needs communities. That year-long experience helped Ms. Pavao develop the blueprint and program design that became the charter application. The DREAM of Argosy Collegiate Charter School was born. Two years later, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) voted to approve the school’s charter application and granted Argosy Collegiate Charter School authorization to open its doors. In the six months following authorization, a building was secured and renovated, furnishings and technology were acquired, staff were hired and trained, and 100 6th grade scholars were invited to be our inaugural class!
Today, Argosy Collegiate Charter School is proud to offer scholars throughout Fall River and surrounding cities and towns a comprehensive 6th-12th grade college prep education. Scholars are provided with rich academic and enrichment opportunities, including the opportunity to take college-level courses and earn college credits during their high school years. Argosy Collegiate Charter School is nearing full enrollment and continuing to grow, develop and expand their program offerings every year. Ms. Pavao’s original dream for Argosy Collegiate Charter School continues to drive the mission forward – truly preparing this generation, and all future generations, for success in college, career and life.
