Starting high school is one of the biggest milestones in a young person’s life. At United Charter High Schools (UCHS), freshman year begins with the Summer Bridge Program, our one-of-a-kind experience designed to welcome incoming 9th graders and new transfers before the school year officially starts.
This year, Summer Bridge runs the first week of September. The goal is the same across all seven UCHS schools: to help every freshman feel known, supported, and ready to thrive from day one.
Finding Your People
The first day is all about community. New students spend time getting to know one another, meeting the teachers and staff who will support them all year, and exploring their new building. Walking the halls, finding classrooms, and learning how to navigate campus turns an unfamiliar space into a place that already feels like home. By the end of the day, students have started building the relationships that make UCHS such a caring, connected community.
Learning the Ropes
Students get a real preview of what to expect in their classrooms and learn the everyday tools that keep high school running smoothly. From logging into PowerSchool and setting up their school email, to knowing where to find important information and who to ask for help, we make sure new students have access to everything they need to start the year strong.
Celebrating the Start
Campuses offering a third day often close with a trip or a culminating celebration. It’s our way of marking the beginning of the high school journey and the friendships forming along the way.
Why It Matters
The Summer Bridge Program reflects what makes a UCHS education exceptional: personalized support, a strong sense of care and joy, and a belief in every student’s potential. Freshman year lays the foundation for four years of growth, and our carefully sequenced program is designed to build college and career readiness from the very first week.
Families, mark your calendars for September 2 and connect with your campus to confirm your exact dates and start times. Have questions or want to enroll so your rising 9th grader can attend? There’s still time – visit our enrollment page to get started or contact your neighborhood campus directly. We can’t wait to meet your freshman!
About United Charter High Schools
United Charter High Schools is a network of seven award-winning and tuition-free charter schools serving 9th-12th grade students and families across the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens. We are united in our mission to close the opportunity gap by ensuring equal access to rigorous STEAM and Humanities academics and unwavering support for post-secondary readiness. Get to know us at unitedcharter.org and follow us on Instagram and Facebook. Enrollment for the 2026-27 school year is open now.
