A Message From The CEO

Celebrating 25 Years of Impact at QCACS

This year marked a historic milestone for Queen City Academy Charter School—our 25th anniversary and our most transformative year yet. Since opening in 2000, QCACS has remained committed to one mission: ensuring every scholar has access to opportunity, excellence, and support.

Our proudest moment: graduating our first-ever senior class—with 100% college acceptance. Even more remarkable, over 20% of our inaugural graduating class earned their associate degrees before receiving their QCACS diplomas. These achievements reflect a promise fulfilled and a new commitment ahead: getting scholars to and through college.

We strengthened our K–12 leadership with key promotions and new roles that enhance alignment, rigor, and scholar support—including Directors for Humanities, STEM, College Transition & Alumni Relations, and Operations. These investments position QCACS for long-term growth.

Academically, our scholars soared:

● ELA performance rose to 12 points above the state average, demonstrating exceptional literacy growth across grade levels.
● Math performance increased by more than 6 points, placing us within just 4 points of the state average on the NJSLA assessment.

Beyond the classroom, scholars expanded their horizons through experiences like a summer engineering institute at Tuskegee University.

Looking ahead, we’re building for the future. Our new facility breaks ground in 2026, featuring science labs, performing arts spaces, and a full gym—serving both scholars and the greater Plainfield community. We’re also strengthening our development efforts and expanding our Board of Trustees to support the next chapter.

None of this is possible without our incredible staff, whose dedication and belief in our scholars fuel every success.

When you lead with love and community, love and community always show up.

— Danielle West-Augustin, CEO
Queen City Academy Charter School

QCACS Core Values

This year’s successes highlight the impact of values-driven education. By uniting students, staff, and leadership around shared goals, we consistently deliver quality educational access that opens doors to success.

As we recognize these achievements and look to the future, our core values continue to guide Queen City scholars and strengthen our community. Read on to see how QCACS is putting these core values into action.

2024-2025 Achievements: BY THE NUMBERS

Percentage of 12th grade class
graduated with 15-20 college credits

Percentage of college acceptance

Percentage of students that earned associate degrees from Union County College

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Total scholarship dollars awarded for 2024-2025

$ +

Approximate savings per student entering college with coursework that places them at the junior vs. freshman level

QCACS Celebrates First Graduating Class in School History

On June 20, the senior class at Queen City Academy Charter School didn’t just make history– they made major moves. As the school’s first graduating cohort, these 25 scholars represent a future where college and career readiness are not the exception …but the expectation.

“Today isn’t just about where our students are going—it’s about what they’ve been prepared to build,” - Karen Oliver-Moore, Board President, Queen City Academy Charter School

Standout Students of the Class of 2025

● Nick Manobanda was awarded more than $434,500 in scholarships and received acceptance letters from 11 universities, including Seton Hall University and St. John’s University.
● Farida Farl obtained over $376,000 in scholarships and was accepted to 10 institutions, including all three of Rutgers University’s regional campuses, Clark Atlanta University, Morgan State University, and Hampton University.
● Laura Oware earned a full scholarship to Kean University and was also accepted to Penn State, Howard University, NJIT, and other schools.
● Elisa Glass gained admission to 17 colleges, among them Arizona State University, Rutgers University, and Howard University, with scholarships totaling $79,000.
● Samih Howell secured $110,000 in scholarships from Fairleigh Dickinson University, Kean University, and Alvernia University.

2024-2025 QCACS YEAR IN REVIEW

QCACS Dual Enrollment Program

Universal Access to Opportunity

QCACS provides every ninth-grader – regardless of GPA or prior academic performance has access to college-level coursework through our Dual Enrollment program with Union County College. This initiative is structured to support scholars not only in gaining college admission but also in achieving sustained academic progress. Established in 2021, the dual enrollment program enables students to begin college courses as early as the second semester of ninth grade. With two academic pathways—Computer Information Sciences and Engineering—students acquire specialized expertise in fields of high demand.

As QCACS advances, we remain committed to our mission of delivering individualized guidance, employing innovative instructional strategies, and providing a curriculum designed to prepare students for success in higher education. Achieving this significant milestone marks the beginning of an enduring tradition of excellence, positioning future QCACS graduates to continue elevating standards and broadening opportunities for students within Plainfield and beyond.

QCACS Dual Enrollment Program Featured by News 12 NJ

In early 2025, Queen City Academy Charter School (QCACS) was featured on News 12’s "Spotlight New Jersey" show with Della Crews. CEO Danielle West-Augustin, student Laura Oware, and principal Dr. Ernest Dixon discussed how the school’s innovative programs support student success. Oware graduated with both a high school diploma and an associate’s degree through the Dual Enrollment Program.

Dr. Dixon noted that the goal is to remove barriers and provide students with greater opportunities, helping them access higher education early and develop skills for future achievement. “Brilliance exists everywhere but opportunity doesn’t, so our goal is to advocate, ensure barriers are removed and provide scholars with every possible advantage for their future.” - Dr. Ernest Dixon, Principal, QCACS

LIFELONG LEARNING

Education doesn't stop at graduation—it ripples outward, strengthening entire communities for generations. Queen City Academy’s commitment to lifelong learning extends far beyond our classrooms. This year, our investments in community-centered learning have opened new doors and deepened connections that will serve our scholars and families for years to come.

QCACS is proud to spotlight our four scholars who attended the highly competitive Mentoring InTo Aviation Science (MITAS) program at Tuskegee University this summer!
This nationally acclaimed initiative introduces high-achieving, underrepresented youth to the world of aviation and aerospace, expanding access to high-impact careers and transformative learning! We are thrilled that our students had access to this opportunity, which was well-earned due to their hard work and determination to excel.

Responsibility: Serving Our Community

Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth. — Shirley Chisholm

At QCACS, responsibility extends beyond personal accountability—it means actively contributing to the well-being of our community. This year, our scholars, families, and staff demonstrated this core value through meaningful service and engagement initiatives that strengthened the bonds between our school and the Plainfield community.

Through strategic partnerships with local organizations, student-led volunteer programs, and family engagement events, we created opportunities for our entire school community to give back and make a tangible difference. Our scholars didn't just learn about civic responsibility in the classroom. They lived it through hands-on service projects that addressed real community needs. These collective efforts reinforced an essential truth: when we invest in our community, we invest in ourselves, building a stronger foundation for everyone to thrive.

Caring: Nurturing Student Success

Mentorship and Leadership Development

At QCACS, mentorship and leadership are foundational elements that extend beyond the academic curriculum. The school is deeply invested in nurturing students not only as scholars but also as future leaders and engaged members of their communities. Through a range of initiatives, including peer mentoring and adult-student mentorship programs, QCACS ensures that every student receives guidance and support tailored to their individual journey. These mentorship opportunities are seen as essential to helping students realize their full promise and potential.

Among the various initiatives, the Girls and Male Mentoring Program stands out as a significant pillar of the school’s commitment to mentorship. These programs offer students consistent encouragement, practical guidance, and meaningful connections that foster both personal growth and a strong sense of community engagement. By pairing students with mentors who can share their experiences and insights, QCACS empowers scholars to navigate challenges, set ambitious goals, and develop the confidence needed to excel.

This holistic approach – blending academic rigor, early exposure to college coursework, and comprehensive mentoring – serves as a model for student empowerment and community development. It reflects QCACS’s vision of education as a transformative experience, one that equips students with the skills, relationships, and perspectives necessary for lifelong success.

Queen City’s 2nd Annual We EmpowHER Girls Mentoring Conference

On May 31, 2025, Queen City Academy Charter School proudly hosted its second annual “We EmpowHER Girls Mentoring Conference,” offering engaging workshops and guest speakers that made the event an inspiring and empowering morning for young women in the QCACS community.

The event featured a remarkable group of professional women from diverse fields, such as nursing, finance, public service, behavioral health, entrepreneurship, and others. During the panel, speakers openly shared their career paths, obstacles they’ve faced, and pivotal experiences, giving students valuable perspectives and motivation as they consider their future goals.

High Ethical Standards: Leadership & Governance

At QCACS, ethical leadership is a guiding principle that starts with the highest level of governance. The Board of Trustees serves as the embodiment of the school’s dedication to maintaining high ethical standards. Through transparent governance and mission-driven decision-making, the Board consistently demonstrates an unwavering commitment to the success and wellbeing of QCACS scholars. Their actions and decisions not only reflect integrity but also set a standard for excellence throughout the entire school community.

2025 Board of Trustees Retreat

On November 8, 2025, the Board of Trustees convened for their bi-annual retreat, reaffirming their dedication to the school’s vision and future. This gathering provided an opportunity for the Board to collaborate, share insights, and further expand the horizons of QCACS. Through thoughtful planning and unified commitment, the Board’s leadership continues to shape a brighter path for the school community. Their collective efforts create a positive ripple effect, establishing a strong foundation for growth, innovation, and ongoing excellence at QCACS.

Self-Disclipline: Social & Emotional Excellence

By investing in the whole child—mind, heart, and character—we're developing not just strong students, but strong individuals who can lead themselves and others with confidence and integrity. This foundation of self-discipline enables our scholars to persevere through obstacles, stay focused on their goals, and ultimately achieve the success they deserve.

Student Council Representatives K-8

President 8-1 : Eli Hamliton

Chairman 8-1: Aniyah Roberts

Secretary 8-2 : Ian Reyes

Treasurer 8-1: Yvis Orobio

Vice President 7-1 : Nashley Hidalgo

Historian 7-2 : Adanne Azikiwe

Student Council Representatives 9-12

President: Emil Santos Jimenez

Vice President: Madison Arter

Treasurer: Shirley Romero

Secretary: Kristal Garcia Abrego

Forward Vision: 2026 and Beyond

Current Growth Trajectory:

■ School enrollment expansion
■ Investment in new staff positions to support growing student body

AI-generated example of an architectural rendering

New Building Development:

Queen City Academy is taking bold steps to expand our capacity and footprint, incorporating elements that are essential to preparing QCACS scholars to compete globally. In 2024, we acquired an additional acre of land at 746 Grant Avenue in Plainfield, with a vision to create a state-of-the-art, campus-style learning environment that ensures every student has access to world-class facilities. Slated for completion in July 2027, the new features will include:

■ Modern gymnasiums
■ Dedicated performing arts spaces
■ Enhanced learning environments

PARTNERS & SUPPORTERS

Gratitude for QCACS Partners & Supporters

Throughout the 2024-2025 academic year many hearts and hands contributed to our school’s and student’s success. On behalf of the entire staff and administration at Queen City Academy Charter School, we wish to thank the following individuals and organizations for their partnership and support of our mission and vision:

Companies and organizations that have supported us.

Become Part of QCACS Bright Future

We Need You: Join Us in Building Excellence

While we take pride in our accomplishments, we understand that reaching our goals is a collective effort. The ongoing success of our students relies on the active support and involvement of our community.

Together, we can make certain that every student has the opportunity to succeed and that failure truly is not an option.

How You Can Support

■ Financial Partnership: Contribute to the development of our new, state-of-the-art facility. Your financial support helps us create an environment where students can thrive.
■ Community Engagement: Participate in school events and programming. Your presence strengthens our community and encourages our students.
■ Volunteer Opportunities: Offer your time and talent to enrich the lives of our students. There are many ways to get involved and make a meaningful impact.
■ Spread the Word: Help us connect with families who share our dedication to excellence. By sharing information about QCACS, you help grow our community of committed scholars and supporters.

Get Involved Today

DONATE NOW

FUNCTIONING IN EXCELLENCE