In August, East Side House Settlement partnered to open Haven Charter High School, welcoming the founding class of 75 ninth-grade students and launching a new high school option designed to connect young people in the South Bronx to college preparation and sustainable career pathways.
From the start, Haven was built with a clear focus on long-term outcomes – ensuring students graduate with the skills, confidence, and exposure needed to pursue meaningful careers and economic mobility. A major part of that vision includes a strong healthcare pathway, reflecting one of New York City’s most stable and high-demand career sectors.
“Opening Haven Charter HighSchool is the fulfillment of a dream we’ve had for years; to create a safe learning environment where we are committed to serving our young people, their families and our communities. Every decision from curriculum choices, classroom furniture and to even the color of paint on the walls has been made with our students’ needs in mind. The anticipation is growing, and all staff anxiously waited to meet the Class of 2029 as we begin our Haven Charter High School journey together.
Haven opened its doors in August — and with it, the future truly started here.”
– Natalie Lozada, Executive Director at Haven Charter High School
A cornerstone of this approach was Haven’s first healthcare partnership with NewYork-Presbyterian, which introduced students to
real-world career possibilities in the medical field and helped open doors to mentorship, professional exposure, and future opportunities. Through this partnership, students began to see the range of careers available to them – whether through certifications, college degrees, or training programs that lead to long-term, sustainable employment.
The opening of Haven Charter High School marked a new chapter not only for East Side House, but for Bronx students and families looking for a school experience grounded in opportunity, connection, and real-world preparation. With 75 students leading the way as the founding class, Haven began what will be a growing pipeline of young people ready to shape their futures and strengthen the Bronx and New York City for generations to come.
To learn more about Haven Charter High School please visit
www.https://havencharterhighschool.org
– Link to article: https://www.bxtimes.com/haven-charter-high-school-preparing-students-health-care-careers-morris-park/