College Achieve Central Named Top Three Charter High School in New Jersey, Top 8% Nationally in Latest U.S. News Rankings

Plainfield school surges in national and state rankings, as 100% of 2025 seniors accepted to college, including MIT and Brown

Published August 29, 2025 at 11:58 AM

Plainfield, NJ ― College Achieve Central Charter School (College Achieve Central), serving predominantly low-income and minority students, has leapt into the top tier of U.S. News & World Report’s best high schools for the second year in a row, reflecting an impressive record of student success. The school is now ranked in the top 7.8% of high schools nationwide – up from the top 15% last year–marking a dramatic rise fueled by a proven academic model and distinctive approach to student success. “Our scholars, 84% of whom come from low-income families and many with parents who never attended college, are now outperforming students from affluent schools across the state,” said Michael Piscal, CEO of College Achieve Public Schools. “At College Achieve Central, 100% of our students take at least three Advanced Placement (AP) exams, while the average is closer to seven, and 75% of our rising seniors have already passed one or more AP exams. When we believe in scholars, provide a rigorous academic program, and center the curriculum on argumentative writing and critical thinking, we expect these kinds of results. We’re proving that where scholars come from doesn’t determine how far they can go.” College Achieve Central also rose to the #3 charter high school in New Jersey this year (from #4 last year), and advanced significantly across other key rankings:

“Our ranking in the top 8% of high schools nationwide and the #3 charter school in New Jersey shows what’s possible when we start with the belief that college is for every scholar,” said Natica Brown, Head of School, College Achieve Central. “We set a high bar from the first day, and our students keep rising to meet it.” These achievements come on the heels of an extraordinary milestone: Last year, 100% of College Achieve Central seniors were accepted to four-year colleges, with acceptances to some of the most selective universities in the nation, including MIT, Brown, and Rutgers University. In addition, students from College Achieve Central have been admitted to Harvard, Princeton, the University of Pennsylvania, Dartmouth, Kean, NJIT, Howard, Morehouse, and Centenary University. College Achieve Central serves the communities of Plainfield and North Plainfield New Jersey, where statistics show only 23% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The school’s mission‑driven culture, high expectations, and strong academic support have made a meaningful impact: Students have access to 16 AP courses, and every senior is required to take at least three AP classes to graduate. By contrast, in other local districts, 8% of students are enrolling in at least one AP course, according to the New Jersey School Performance Report. “With our ‘AP for All’ approach, scholars often surprise themselves with how much they can achieve,” Brown added. “Now, as our first cohort of alumni prepares to graduate from some of the nation’s leading universities, we have clear proof that our model works—and works for the long term.” The school also offers dual enrollment, enabling scholars to graduate with up to 30 college credits, saving families tuition costs and giving students a strong head start in college. This year’s graduating class also earned more than $30 million in scholarships, underscoring the opportunities College Achieve Central creates for students.

About College Achieve Public Schools

College Achieve Public Schools (College Achieve) is a network of free, public K–12 charter schools in Paterson, Plainfield, North Plainfield, Asbury Park, and Neptune Township, serving communities with enormous potential and historically limited resources. College Achieve is committed to preparing all students to excel in and graduate from the top colleges and universities in the nation.

To learn more or enroll, visit: collegeachieveasbury.org/enrollment