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EDceptional.org

September 2026

Urgent Plea for Change: Rally for Our Children’s Future

Our Children Deserve Better

On October 12 at 1:00 p.m., we invite you to join us at Parcel 5 for a rally that transcends mere words. This is a call to action for every parent, grandparent, and caregiver who has felt the weight of a failing educational system. It is time to raise our voices and demand the change our children deserve. 


At EDceptional, we believe that education is the bedrock of our community. Yet, we find ourselves in a state of emergency. Our schools are plagued by mediocrity, and it’s time we stand up and say enough is enough! Other cities across the U.S. have seen dramatic increases in educational outcomes when parents banded together and voiced their opposition to complacency. We cannot afford to remain silent any longer.


The Heart of the Matter


At the heart of this rally is you—the parents and guardians who live this reality every single day. You are the ones who know firsthand the challenges our children face. You are the ones who see the impact of underfunded schools, overcrowded classrooms, and outdated materials. 


This rally will feature a dedicated Parent Voices segment, a powerful moment where real Rochester families will step to the microphone to share their stories. You will tell elected leaders and policymakers why you demand better—directly from your experience and in your own words. This is your chance to share what you want for your child, what your family needs, and to convey the emotions that numbers alone can never capture. 

Why Your Voice Matters


The statistics are alarming. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, only 37% of eighth graders in the U.S. are proficient in reading. In Rochester, those numbers are even more sobering. Rochester ranks near the bottom of New York state public school districts on academic proficiency and graduation rates. Our children are not just statistics; they are our future. They deserve an education that prepares them for successful careers, safe communities, and enriched lives.


We need to remind our elected officials that they hold the power to change these numbers. They need to hear the stories of families who have endured the shortcomings of our current system. It’s time for them to understand that their inaction has real consequences on our children’s futures.

Community at the Core


This rally is not just about education; it's about jobs and safety. A well-educated workforce is vital for a thriving economy. When our schools fail, we all suffer—businesses struggle to find skilled workers, crime rates rise, and families are left to fend for themselves in a system that has let them down.


It’s time for us to take a stand. On October 12, we will be a united front, demanding that our voices be heard. Elected officials and local businesses will be in that crowd, and we must ensure they feel the urgency of our message. Your presence is crucial. Your voice is powerful.


Join Us


Let’s come together at Parcel 5 and show our community and our leaders that we are fed up with mediocrity. We demand better for our children, our families, and our future. This is your moment to make an impact. Don’t let it slip away.


Together, we can change the narrative. Together, we can fight for the education our children deserve.

Charter School News

Rochester Charter Schools Welcome Students Back


Back-to-school is in full swing, and Rochester charter schools welcomed students back to classrooms for another year of learning and growth this fall. Rochester Prep was among the first to get the school year underway, and 13WHAM was there to capture students and staff returning to school. See the 13WHAM coverage

EMHCS Opens New Secondary Campus


Eugenio María de Hostos Charter School welcomed students this fall to its new middle and high school campus on Joseph Avenue, bringing grades 7–12 together in a facility designed to support the school’s continued growth. The new campus includes expanded classrooms, science spaces, a gymnasium and other student amenities. Read more about the opening from WXXI News and Rochester Business Journal. 

MHCS upgrades

Hickman Scholars Head to College


Three Rochester charter school graduates are beginning college this fall with support from the Hickman Fund for Education Success. Jean Pierre Felix of Vertus High School is attending SUNY Brockport, Victor Saunders of University Prep Charter School for Young Men is attending Clark Atlanta University, and Abigael Moreau of Rochester Academy Charter School is attending Temple University. The fund honors EDceptional co-founder Bryan Hickman’s commitment to expanding educational opportunities for Rochester students. Meet the 2026 Hickman Scholars

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