Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Empowering Future Leaders Through Excellence in Education
Founded in 1969 as Project Link by the Sisters of St. Dominic, our institution has evolved into a public charter school serving students from Kindergarten through Grade 8. We provide a rigorous academic program grounded in core values of respect, responsibility, and community service, preparing students for competitive high schools and college success. Our curriculum emphasizes math, literacy, creative expression, and the arts, supported by technology integration and experiential learning.With a focus on closing achievement gaps, we offer STEM programs, outdoor education, and summer camps to prevent learning loss. Our dedicated staff and faculty work relentlessly to uncover each student's potential, fostering academic excellence alongside character development. As a leader in social justice education, we maintain a non-discriminatory policy while cultivating lifelong learners and future community leaders.
Services
K-8 Academic Programs
Summer Learning Academy
Elective Courses
Community Service Initiatives
Athletics Programs
High School Placement
Special Education Services
Parent Engagement Programs
Details
- Year established: 1969
Highlights and features
- We offer a 50-year legacy of educational excellence and social justice
- Our graduates gain admission to competitive high schools nationwide
- We provide STEM programs, arts integration, and outdoor learning experiences
- Our staff maintains a 4:1 student-teacher ratio for personalized instruction
- We offer comprehensive community service programs fostering civic responsibility
What people say
Dedicated teachers
Strong college preparation
Positive learning environment
Character development focus
Effective STEM programs
Services
K-8 Academic Programs
Our comprehensive academic program prepares students for competitive high schools through rigorous math, literacy, science, and social studies instruction. Certified teachers use data-driven instruction and technology integration to meet individual learning needs. The extended school day and year allow for deeper mastery of college preparatory content while maintaining a 4:1 student-teacher ratio.
Summer Learning Academy
Designed to prevent summer learning loss, our six-week summer academy offers academic reinforcement and enrichment activities. Students engage in project-based learning while participating in field trips and arts programming. The program maintains our core values focus while preparing scholars for the upcoming academic year through targeted skill development.
Elective Courses
Our elective program provides diverse enrichment opportunities including dance, drama, visual arts, and entrepreneurship. Specialized instructors deliver hands-on learning experiences that develop creativity and technical skills. Courses like boatbuilding, film production, and glass art expose students to unique career possibilities while reinforcing core academic concepts through practical application.
People
Maria Pilar Paradiso
Head of School
Maria Pilar Paradiso leads with 25+ years of educational leadership experience, focusing on equity and access in urban education. She champions college readiness and character development while maintaining the school's founding mission of social justice and community service.
Richard Marshall
Board Chairperson
Richard Marshall brings community engagement expertise as Outreach and Operations Manager at Newark School of the Arts. He oversees board governance while connecting the school with local cultural resources to enhance arts education opportunities for students.
Questions
What grades does Link Community Charter School serve?
We serve students from Kindergarten through Grade 8 at our Newark, NJ campus.
How do I enroll my child at Link?
Enroll through the Newark Common App, selecting Link as your first choice. Contact our admissions coordinator for assistance with the application process.
What special programs are available?
We offer STEM programs, arts integration, summer learning academy, community service initiatives, and athletics through the NJ Charter School Athletic League.
Is transportation provided?
Transportation details are available through our admissions office. We work to accommodate families within our service area.
