BUFFALO, N.Y. - It didn't take long for the classrooms at the former Holy Angels Academy to be filled with the students once again. The facility is now home to the Charter School for Applied Technologies for 6 - 8 grade students. There's a waiting list to get in at the middle school.
Principal Brandon Pafk said, "All the things we did were minor cosmetic, a little bit of our school spirit and we're off and running."
At the former Holy Angels Academy you'll still find the old chapel with stained glass windows and light fixtures that now serves as an education space. Minor changes were made to the gym including adding the school's mascot and colors.
There are currently 560 6th-8th grade students who now go to the CSAT middle school.
Principal Brandon Pafk said,"To create an environment, a learning space for them that they feel welcomed and feel wanted that they can be encouraged and supported to do whatever it is that interest them. All while holding very high academic, social, and emotional expectations."
The move is part of an expansion plan at what's considered New York States largest charter school. The goal is to increase the student population by 41 percent over the next six years. Just this year the middle school increased enrollment by 250 students.
The goal is to reduce the waiting list for students Kindergarten -12th grade that currently stands at about 50 students per grade level.
"We really want to expose our kids to family sustaining careers so they know no matter what path they choose whether that's going to college or going right into the workforce or trades they have options."
Project Lead the Way Program has been expanded where students are learning about automation and robotics, design and modeling.
87 percent of the students are from Buffalo, several who fall under the poverty line.
