Founded in 1999, Liberty Academy Charter School’s educational goal is to prepare students to be creative, intuitive and analytical thinkers with a solid understanding of the history of ideas. The school facilitates the learning process within an environment that encourages high ethical and academic standards and reinforces the positive values taught at home. September 2009 marks the “10th Year Anniversary” of Liberty Academy Charter School. We remain excited, committed and dedicated to providing effective and efficient education to all students who are serviced by our school.

Our student population of 300 students in grades K through 8 are drawn primarily from and representative of the diverse and multi-cultural Jersey City School District. Our school year constitutes 187 days with the instructional day beginning at 8:30 and ending at 3:15 p.m. Our course offering includes but not limited to the following: Mathematics, English, Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, Physical Education, Art, and Media Library Services. We are in the process of infusing technology across the curriculum. Each classroom has at least three (3) computers that are networked through the school’s server. Additionally, in alignment with our approved technology plan submitted to the state, Liberty Academy is purchasing smart boards for each classroom to be used as an effective tool in the facilitation of lesson objectives/goals. The school also offers after school care, after-school (Title I) tutoring, enrichment programs and clubs.

Liberty Academy Charter School utilizes the hands-on or “constructivist” approach to teaching and learning. Liberty Academy Charter School believes that character development and personal management skills should form the basis for schooling and students must be empowered to take responsibility for their own learning and development. Therefore, we place great emphasis on character development as evidenced by banners and student work (project-based) throughout the building.

“We, the educational team of the Liberty Academy Charter School, are committed to creating a foundation upon which all students will realize their full potential through diverse cooperative learning experiences. We will provide a safe and caring environment that fosters the development of confident, compassionate, and independent contributing citizens. Through a strong partnership between school and home, the students will empower themselves to become life-long learners.”

One vision, one focus: academic achievement for all enrolled students of Liberty Academy Charter School as measured by 100% proficiency in subjects tested on the Statewide Assessments.

Liberty Academy Charter School was chartered and begun in 1999 and was recently renewed for five years. It is located at 211 Sherman Avenue in Jersey City, NJ 07307.. The facility is the former St. Paul of the Cross Grammar School. The charter authorized enrollment for 300 students in grades K-8; there are two classes per grade level. The average class size is approximately seventeen students. Coincidentally, the school draws its pupils solely from Hudson County.

The staff consists of three administrators, twenty-seven teachers, three full time teacher aides, four maintenance, two security persons, three special education teachers, one ELS teacher, two Spanish teachers and two gym teachers. The lead persons of Liberty are Dr. Anna Villafane, CEO and Dr. Micheal Derczo, Principal, who can be reached at (Tele. 201-217-6771). The board members are composed of seven voting members. Three members participating on the board are parents. The defining attributes of Liberty are it's mission to develop the whole child, Spanish, performing arts and a classic education considering the development of the whole child. Therefore, Character Education is strongly integrated into the curriculum. Liberty receives support from the Puerto Rican Community Association (PACO).

 Liberty Academy was renewed for five more years on July 30, 2008 with commendations from the New Jersey State Department of Education. While this was a great learning experience, the Board of Trustees, administration and faculty look forward to focusing on the Five Year Plan and raising student academic achievement. The process allowed everyone involved building closer partnerships and self evaluate and dissect the schools policies, procedures, curriculum and goals microscopically. While it is a glorious feeling to accomplish such a task, it is also exciting to move forward and work on the goals that we have established.