Welcome to HCSS – A Tuition-Free STEM Charter

WELCOME

Dear HCSS Community,

It is with immense pride and excitement that I welcome you to another exceptional year at Hampden Charter School of Science (HCSS)!

As we begin this new academic year, I would like to remind you of two important milestones we achieved earlier this year. The former Massachusetts Commissioner of Education, Jeff Riley, not only granted our beloved HCSS an unconditional renewal of our charter but also approved our plan to optimize our schools by designating the Chicopee campus as our high school and the West Springfield campus as our dedicated middle school. These approvals, as we celebrate our 15th year, underscore our unwavering commitment to education, care, and preparing our students for college and beyond.

Since our founding in 2009, HCSS has been dedicated to paving the way for college admissions and numerous scholarship opportunities. Our College and Career Readiness program is tailored to help each student discover their unique talents and interests, set aspirational goals, and find the best-fit college or university. With Advanced Placement(AP), CLEP, and PLTW courses starting from 9th grade and the College Board AP Capstone Diploma Program, we provide a rigorous academic program that fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and essential skills for success. Additionally, our students benefit from project-based instruction, hands-on experiences, and a math and science curriculum enhanced by technology and extended learning hours. We are also excited to continue enriching our students’ education through international experiences, with recent trips to Europe and Costa Rica, and more planned for the future.

At HCSS, we believe in the holistic development of our students. We encourage physical fitness and team spirit through our MIAA League sports, including basketball, volleyball, soccer, cross country, indoor track, tennis, softball, and wrestling. We are incredibly proud to announce that our wrestling team members have become State Champions, and one of our students has earned the prestigious title of All-American by placing 5th at the Nationals. Our students not only learn the value of discipline and teamwork but also develop lifelong skills and friendships. Beyond athletics, our Out of School Learning Experience program offers free educational trips to iconic in-state locations for each grade level, and we provide over 15 different social clubs, including Robotics, Math Counts, and AMC Advanced Clubs, where students can explore their interests and nurture their passions.

We are thrilled to share that HCSS has been recognized in the top 5% of high schools nationwide by US News & World Report 2024 and as one of the Top 3 best high schools in Western Massachusetts. Our students have consistently achieved impressive college acceptance rates and substantial scholarships. This year, we are proud to announce a 100% college acceptance rate, with the Class of 2024 gaining admission to prestigious institutions such as Boston University, Northeastern, WPI, RPI, UCONN, UMASS, Rutgers, Ohio State, Penn State, Michigan State, and many more. These accomplishments reflect the dedication and hard work of our entire community.

As we embark on this new academic year, we are committed to providing an exceptional educational experience for all our students. We are also excited to introduce staff members who bring valuable experience and leadership to our schools. Ms. Trudeau will lead as the High School Director, Mrs. Nelson will serve as the Middle School Director, Mr. Borelli will be the High School Dean of Students and District Resource Officer, Mr. Moore will be the Middle School Dean of Students, Mrs. Forni will be the Middle School Dean of Academics, and Mr. Lewis will be the Director of the Counseling Department at the High School, with Ms. Colon as the Director of Counseling at the Middle School.

I am also pleased to announce that we have increased our number of buses to better serve our community and arranged two late buses for after-school clubs, ensuring transportation from the Chicopee Campus to the West Springfield Campus. You will hear from us soon with detailed information about transportation arrangements.

Together, we will foster an environment where every student can achieve their fullest potential, both academically and personally. I look forward to seeing the incredible achievements and growth that this year will bring.

Warm regards,

Tarkan Topcuoglu, Ed.S.
CEO/Superintendent

Hampden Charter School of Science

Mr.Topcuoglu has been in the education field for more than 23 years and has worked as a teacher, department head, dean of academics, and eventually principal. He has bachelor, master, and educational specialist degrees in education. He is married and has two wonderful children. Topcuoglu has received several awards in his career, including National Blue Ribbon Schools’ Terrel H. Bell Award, given each year by the US Department of Education to eight principals in the nation. He was recognized as “Bell Principal” by former US Education Secretary Dr.King in 2016.

MISSION

The mission of the HCSS is to provide a college preparatory-focused education to the youth of every race and ethnic group in Western Massachusetts in a safe, academically challenging, and caring educational environment. Our promise is to sustain small school size, provide extended math and science curriculum, individualized attention, college guidance, university outreach programs, and to encourage student-teacher-parent partnership. Our mission empowers our students with the support necessary to reach their highest intellectual, emotional, social and physical potentials building on the inherent promise to aid students’ preparation for college.

VISION

The vision of the HCSS is to increase the rate of college entry of the students with excellent learning opportunities that are exclusively designed for the college preparation in a technologically rich-environment. The vision of the HCSS is shaped around the needs of students in these districts. Our curriculum mainly focuses on college preparation, mathematics and science education as well as other major academic areas: arts, language, and social studies. We provide college guidance to our students and encourage all students to not just graduate but to pursue higher education. Individualized attention, tutoring, university outreach programs, social projects, and various creative outlets such as lab projects, science fairs, debate contests, and trivia competitions provide an enthusiastic, dynamic learning environment as well as encourage all students to think independently and creatively.

AT A GLANCE

	HCSS – East	HCSS – West
Year Opened	2009	2018
Authorized	MA Department of Education	MA Department of Education
Grades	6th-12th	6th-12th
Max.Enrollment	560	441
Primary districts	Chicopee, Ludlow, West Springfield, Springfield	West Springfield, Westfield, Agawam, Holyoke
Location	20 Johnson Rd. Chicopee, MA 01022	511 Main St W.Springfield, MA 01089
School Hours	Monday-Thursday: 7:30am-2:37pm \| Friday:7:30am-1:58pm	Monday-Thursday: 7:30am-2:37pm \| Friday:7:30am-1:58pm
Number of School Days	182 days	182 days
Average Class Size	20 students	20 students
Tuition	Free	Free
Demographics	31% African-American, 2% Asian, 37% Hispanic, 26% White, 4% Multi-Race	17% African-American, 2% Asian, 34% Hispanic, 46% White, 1% Multi-Race
AP Capstone Diploma Program	2018	2018
AP Courses	AP Language Art and Composition, AP Human Geography, AP World History, AP US History, AP Calculus AB, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Psychology, AP Environmental Science	AP Language Art and Composition, AP Human Geography, AP World History, AP US History, AP Calculus AB, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Psychology, AP Environmental Science
College Acceptance (2021-2022)	100%	100%
Individualized College Counseling and Placement	Every student in HCSS is assigned to a counselor to create an individualized college path.	Every student in HCSS is assigned to a counselor to create an individualized college path.
1:1 Digital Learning Environment	Every student in grades 6-12 is issued a Chromebook for his/her use for the year in and out of school.	Every student in grades 6-12 is issued a Chromebook for his/her use for the year in and out of school.
Advanced Programs	Robotics, Science Olympiads, Math Count, and AMC Clubs.	Robotics, Science Olympiads, Math Count, and AMC Clubs.
International Trips	Europe, Turkey, Kenya,Dominican Republic	Europe, Turkey, Kenya
Athletic Program	Girls/Boys Basketball, Cross Country, Track&Field, Girls/Boys Soccer, Girls/Boys Volleyball, Tennis, Wrestling.	Girls/Boys Basketball, Cross Country, Track&Field, Girls/Boys Soccer, Girls/Boys Volleyball, Tennis, Wrestling.

AP (Advanced Placement) and Dual Credit Programs

Preview Forest

HCSS has been granted “Proven Provider” status by DESE in 2016.

College Matriculation Rate

The average College Matriculation rate since 2014 is 95%

Word cloud of prominent university names including NYU, Georgetown, UPenn, Brown, GWU, Columbia, Cornell, Tufts, and others in varying sizes and colors.

Group of diverse students in red and blue graduation gowns and caps seated indoors during a graduation ceremony.

Graduation Rate

HCSS has overall 98% graduation rate since 2014

Scholarships

Class of 2021 raised more than $15M scholarship for college education.

Black graduation cap with gold tassel next to a rolled diploma tied with a red ribbon, above the word 'Scholarship'.

Map of the United States featuring major college sports team logos positioned within their respective states.

Many Ivy League and prestigious college acceptances

Harvard, Cornell, Columbia Universities and Dartmouth College.

Boston College, BU, Northeastern University, UMASS, UCONN, Rutgers, WPI, RIT, Williams College, and many more…

US News & World Report Best High Schools (2016-2021)

Named one of the Best 100 Massachusetts High Schools and ranked #3 in Springfield Metro Area by US News & World Report 2019.

Badge reading Best High Schools U.S. News & World Report National 2021.

Niche badge for Best Schools 2022 with blue ribbons.

Niche.org 2022 rankings

Niche‘s 2022 rankings were released, and Hampden Charter School of Science ranked #2 in Best Charter High Schools in Springfield, MA Area!

MCAS Results (Click to see MCAS 2022 results)

HCSS has consistently achieved the highest performance level in the state and has been named one of the best schools in Western Massachusetts. HCSS outperformed all Sending Districts and the State in all MCAS exams in last four years in all subject areas.

Badge reading 'Best High Schools U.S. News & World Report Rankings'.

2022- BEST HIGH SCHOOLS IN MA

HCSS has been listed one of Top 25 Best High Schools and ranked #19 in MA.

2022- BEST HIGH SCHOOLS IN WESTERN MA

HCSS has been ranked #1 in Western MA in 2022 by US News&World Report.

Gold first place ribbon medal with laurel wreath and three stars.

CORE VALUES

Be respectful! Respect for ourselves and our fellow human beings is fundamental. When we respect ourselves, we commit to a moral and honorable life. When we respect others, we treat them with honesty and integrity, welcome their differences, and celebrate an open and creative discourse.

Green silhouette of a graduate standing next to a tree with a tire swing and the word RESPONSIBILITY below.

Be responsible! We look to ourselves to do what needs to be done, and we take responsibility of our actions, our future, our school, and our community.

Illustration of a golden figure carrying a large blue globe with grid lines above the word 'RESILIENCE'.

Be resilient! We learn from our mistakes and losses,and we seize the opportunity to improve.

Be excellent! Excellence is a product of diligence and tenacity, risk and sacrifice. We seek excellence in all that we undertake, unswerving in our commitment to achieving the goals we set and celebrating our successes and those of others.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Red heart with a golden rising sun design on top.

Diane Hunter Chairperson

Diane H. Hunter has been serving on the board for almost four years and contributes to HCSS through her strong community ties and entrepreneurial spirit. Ms. Hunter currently holds a Master Degree in Nonprofit Management and Post Masters Certificate from the University of Massachusetts Boston in Early Education Leadership, Research, Policy and Practice. She also owns and runs Miss Diane’s Family Childcare in Springfield.

Nabi Shahan Treasurer

Nabi Shahan is a one of the newest members to join the Board of Trustees. He attended UMass Amherst and later transferred to Stony Brook University graduating in 2016 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Respiratory Care allowing him to become a registered Respiratory Therapist. While completing his studies, Nabi served as a secretary and then as president of the Respiratory Care class at Stony Brook University. Nabi holds several licenses and certifications and currently works as Respiratory Therapist at St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center.

E. Dale Parker Secretary

Ms. Parker is presently a semi-retired math and science college professor at Cambridge College. She has a long history of advocating for and mentoring students interested in STEM education, especially students of color and females.She has served as a consultant for the then MA Department of Education in the Parent Involvement Project, a program that trained parents and families to learn math and science outside of the classroom in places such as museums, businesses and their own homes. Before becoming an educator, she worked for a local chemical company, breaking the class ceiling as the first female chemical engineering technician. She is the matriarch of a large family with four children,19 grandchildren, and 7 grandchildren. She tries to spread the word “Math is Fun.”

Saadia Crawford-Carter Trustee

Saadia Crawford-Carter is a parent of an HCSS Alumni. She has worked in corrections for over 24 years. She volunteers and serves on many committees at work and received many awards for her work ethic. Mrs. Carter attended Springfield College and obtained a B.S. in Human Services and a Masters in Social Work. She is very active in serving the community including volunteering at various events .

Emmanuel Russell Vice Chair

Emmanuel Russell is an HCSS East Alumni graduating from HCSS East in 2013. His class was the first class to graduate from HCSS since its opening in 2009. He has been the Vice President of the HCSS Alumi Association since its inception. Emmanuel then went on to Springfield Technical Community College studying engineering and transferred to UMass Amherst to study Civil Engineering. Watching the school grow and change over the years as a student, Emmanuel adds a different perspective to the Board.

Murat Polat Trustee

In Progress

Noelani Washington Trustee

In Progress

Emre Guduk Trustee

In Progress

Contact Us :

board@hampdencharter.org

MEETING NOTICES

Agenda for Hampden Charter School of Science board meeting on July 26, 2025, listing timings for call to order, adoption of agenda, trustee renewal, AI in education presentation, and meeting adjournment.

Hampden Charter School of Science Board Retreat Agenda with meeting dates and times from July 25 to July 27, 2025, including board meetings, lunch break, and evaluations, plus contact information and online meeting link.

BOARD MEETING SCHEDULE

Annual Board Meeting Schedule for 2024-2025 School Year
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Hampden Charter School of Science East and West Board of Trustees meet at the Hampden Charter School of Science School (HCSS) East building located at 20 Johnson Rd. Chicopee, MA 01022. Stated below are prospective meeting dates for the current school year.
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Notices of Board Meetings are being conducted in accordance with the Open Meeting Law. G.L. c. 30A, § 11A½ of the Massachusetts General Laws, as amended, or any successor statute. A five days’ notice including the time, date, and the location of the Board meetings is delivered to Trustee five days prior the meeting personally or by first-class mail or telephone, facsimile or email. At least a two days’ notice including the time, date, and the location of the Board meetings is delivered to Secretary of State’s office, with a copy to the Executive Office for Administration and Finance in accordance with the law pertaining to the open meetings of the governmental bodies. Notices are distributed to all district city halls that the school serves.

In addition, HCSS will offer specialized study halls with homework support, a mentoring program, a positive behavior system, pull-out services, and an emphasis on inclusion and co-teaching to meet the needs of special education students.

ByLaws

Download bylaws File

HCSS ORGANIZATIONAL CHART

Privacy Policy

HCSS School District is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring a safe online experience. This Statement of Privacy applies to the HCSS School District website and governs data collection and usage. By using the HCSS School District website, you consent to the data practices described in this statement.

Collection of Your Personal Information

HCSS School District may collect personally identifiable information, such as your email address, name, home or work address, or telephone number.

Information about your computer hardware and software is automatically collected by us. This information can include your IP address, browser type, domain names, access times, and referring website addresses. This information is used by the HCSS School District for the operation of the service, to maintain the quality of the service, and to provide general statistics regarding the use of the HCSS School District website.

Please note that if you directly disclose personally identifiable information or personally sensitive data through HCSS School District blogs or forms, this information may be collected and used by others. HCSS School District does not read any of your private online communications.

HCSS School District encourages you to review the privacy statements of websites you choose to link to from our site so that you can understand how those websites collect, use, and share your information. HCSS School District is not responsible for the privacy statements or other content on websites outside of the HCSS School District and HCSS School District family of websites.

Use of Your Personal Information

HCSS School District collects and uses your personal information to operate the HCSS School District website and deliver the services you have requested. HCSS School District also uses your personally identifiable information to inform you of other services available from HCSS School District and its affiliates. HCSS School District may also contact you via surveys to conduct research about your opinion of current services or of potential new services that may be offered.

HCSS School District does not sell, rent, or lease its customer lists to third parties. We may, from time to time, contact you on behalf of external business partners about a particular offering that may be of interest to you. In such cases, your unique personally identifiable information (email, name, address, telephone number) is not transferred to the third party. Additionally, HCSS School District may share data with trusted partners to help us perform statistical analysis, send you email or postal mail, provide customer support, or arrange for deliveries. All such third parties are prohibited from using your personal information except to provide these services to the HCSS School District, and they are required to maintain the confidentiality of your information.

HCSS School District does not use or disclose sensitive personal information, such as race, religion, or political affiliations, without your explicit consent.

HCSS School District websites will disclose your personal information, without notice, only if required to do so by law or in the good faith belief that such action is necessary to: (a) conform to the edicts of the law or comply with legal process served on HCSS School District or the site; (b) protect and defend the rights or property of HCSS School District; and, (c) act under exigent circumstances to protect the personal safety of users of our website, or the public.

Use of Cookies

The HCSS School District website may use “cookies” to help you personalize your online experience. A cookie is a text file that is placed on your hard disk by a web page server. Cookies cannot be used to run programs or deliver viruses to your computer. Cookies are uniquely assigned to you, and can only be read by a web server in the domain that issued the cookie to you.

One of the primary purposes of cookies is to provide a convenience feature to save you time. The purpose of a cookie is to tell the web server that you have returned to a specific page.

You have the ability to accept or decline cookies. Most web browsers automatically accept cookies, but you can usually modify your browser settings to decline cookies if you prefer.

Security of Your Personal Information

HCSS School District secures your personal information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. HCSS School District secures the personally identifiable information you provide on computer servers in a controlled, secure environment, protected from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure.

Changes to this Statement

HCSS School District will occasionally update this Statement of Privacy to reflect company and customer feedback. We encourage you to periodically review this Statement to be informed of how HCSS School District is protecting your information.

Contact Information

We welcome your comments regarding this Statement of Privacy. If you believe that the HCSS School District has not adhered to this Statement, please contact an HCSS School District representative at info@hampdencharter.org.

We will use reasonable efforts to promptly determine and remedy the problem.

Recent Posts

School Closure Update and Online Education Letter Mission & Vision

STRATEGIC PLAN

Download bylaws File

Welcome

WELCOME

Tarkan Topcuoglu, Ed.S.CEO/Superintendent

Hampden Charter School of Science

MISSION

VISION

AT A GLANCE

AP (Advanced Placement) and Dual Credit Programs

Preview Forest

College Matriculation Rate

Graduation Rate

Scholarships

Many Ivy League and prestigious college acceptances

US News & World Report Best High Schools (2016-2021)

Niche.org 2022 rankings

MCAS Results (Click to see MCAS 2022 results)

2022- BEST HIGH SCHOOLS IN MA

2022- BEST HIGH SCHOOLS IN WESTERN MA

CORE VALUES

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

MEETING NOTICES

BOARD MEETING SCHEDULE

ByLaws

HCSS ORGANIZATIONAL CHART

Privacy Policy

STRATEGIC PLAN

Apply Now for 2025-2026

Tarkan Topcuoglu, Ed.S.
CEO/Superintendent