New charter school partners with food bank to hand out fruits and vegetables

Dozens lined up last week at the corner of 44th Street and Fifth Avenue, where kids from Launch Charter School handed out bags of fruits and vegetables.

Organized in partnership with The Campaign Against Hunger, the event was part of Launch’s effort to raise community awareness about its new high school, set to open this fall at 475 53rd Street.

The students were matriculating ninth graders from Launch’s middle school in Crown Heights. Their participation reflects the school’s emphasis on experiential learning and civic engagement, according to Aysha Kahn, Launch’s communications director.

“We try to get children outside of the classroom as often as possible,” said Kahn. “We’re thinking a lot about breaking down the walls between community and classroom.”

Founded in 2012, Launch is the only charter school in the NYC Outward Bound Schools network, which includes 14 district-run public schools. The network emphasizes project-based and adventure learning through its “Crew” model, which incorporates outdoor education, character development, ropes courses, and overnight trips.

“We believe that getting students outdoors and into experiences that push them to develop their character is really important,” Kahn said.

The new Sunset Park campus will open with a freshman class of 80 students. Roughly half are continuing from Launch’s middle school, while the rest are expected to come from Sunset Park and nearby neighborhoods. Throughout the summer, Launch staff have been tabling at 53rd Street and Fifth Avenue—outside the now-shuttered Rite Aid—sharing information and speaking with families about enrollment.

Kahn said the school’s expansion was informed by early conversations with neighborhood workers and residents.

“We collaborated with employees from Sunset Park to brainstorm the best ways to engage with the community,” she said.

In response to criticism that charter schools divert funding and students from traditional public schools, Kahn said: “We understand the macro effects of charter schools, but we’re focused on providing really great learning opportunities and options to students.”

Launch uses a competency-based assessment model, replacing traditional A–F grades with evaluations of students’ demonstrated skills and mindsets—such as critical thinking and community-building. The school also emphasizes individualized support for students and families.

Jaiden, an incoming ninth grader, said he started at Launch last year and had a great experience. “There were a bunch of fun things to do,” he said. “There was a lot of nice staff—interactive staff.” A highlight for him was the end-of-year class trip to Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom.

Reflecting on the food distribution, Jaiden added: “We’re feeding people who are homeless, or in need of food, or maybe a little down on their luck. Even if you need help yourself, it still feels good to help other people.”

Launch is continuing to register students through the first day of school on August 28 and plans another community event in Sunset Park later this month.