Concord HS, a transfer school for students ages 16 to 21 on Staten Island, competes with the local Amazon warehouse for students’ time.

“Some of our kids might be the sole earners for their families,” said Elizabeth DeForest, an English teacher and SETSS provider at Concord.

Thanks to the Progressive Redesign Opportunity Schools for Excellence (PROSE) program, Concord has been able to revamp its school hours to meet the needs of its unique population of students who have not thrived in a traditional high school.

Concord offers an 11-period day, four days a week, and a half day on Fridays. The school’s 193 students can arrange their class schedule Monday through Thursday to start as early as 8 a.m. or go as late as 4:25 p.m., while Friday mornings are reserved for virtual learning, career and technical education classes and individualized, in-person support.

That flexible schedule means that students don’t necessarily have to choose between school and shifts at Amazon or other work.

“It might take them an extra term, but they’re able to provide for their families while earning their credits,” said DeForest.

The faculty and administration at Concord, recognizing how their transfer school could leverage the flexibility of PROSE, entered in the 2015–16 school year, the program’s second year.

Concord students who were in school less than a third of the time at their previous high schools are now averaging 50% to 60% attendance, said Nurea Selami, Concord’s chapter leader.

Educators at Concord work the same number of hours each week as educators in other schools, but they have the option of working Mondays through Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 4:25 p.m. or Mondays through Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 3:38 p.m. and Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon.

“I can make a doctor’s appointment for a Friday and not have to take a day off,” said DeForest. “I come in on Monday rested. It’s a game-changer.”

Concord staff pride themselves on their individualized approach with students. “We know our students as well as our own children,” said Selami. “Our model helps kids in a very personal way.”

Jonathan Fickies

Teacher Frank Marelli conducts a lesson in his classroom.

Concord offers something for all types of students.

Academically inclined students can take AP classes and receive college counseling.

Concord offers CTE classes in graphic design, culinary arts, carpentry and cosmetology on site through Co-op Tech. Students who thrive in the CTE classes are guided toward postgraduate study in the trades.

William Philbin, a Co-op Tech teacher, teaches a building maintenance class with units on electrics, carpentry and plumbing to Concord and Co-op Tech students. One of his students who loves electrics is planning to get further training to be an electrician, he said.

The school has a partnership with the New York Center for Interpersonal Development, which offers on-site career counselors and paid internships in the late afternoons on Monday through Thursday and on Friday afternoons.

The building also houses a Pathways to Graduation program and an adult education program for students older than 21.

Students who were stymied in their previous schools now see a world of options at Concord.

“The scheduling flexibility helps them understand, ‘Hey, they’re really willing to work with me here,’ ” said Frank Marelli, who teaches math at Concord. “They step up.”

Lilia, age 19, is a typical Concord student. She was falling behind at her previous traditional high school, and she works weekends at Amazon to contribute to the family income.

Lilia says Concord’s personal support has made a big difference. “They pay more attention to you,” she said. “There is more time, more patience.”

The broader range of times to take classes allows her to arrange her class schedule around her work and sleep needs. Lilia is set to graduate in June after two years at Concord and is applying to John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

“You have to be open-minded enough to understand that these kids come with big struggles,” said Marelli.

Some of Concord’s educators have been teaching at the school for decades.

“I had a student 20 years ago and now his daughter is struggling, so he sent her here,” says Selami. “I know the cousins, the aunt.”

This web of relationships helps educators like Selami to understand the personal needs of each student.

Some students arrive at Concord with few high school credits and little time to earn them before they turn 21.

Jessica, age 20, had very low attendance at her previous high school before she enrolled at Concord in September 2022. She has been happily attending 11 periods a day for a year and a half as she makes up for lost time. She says her previous aversion to school has vanished.

Jessica credits her success to the support she’s received at Concord. “They’re patient here,” she said. “They don’t rush you.”

She is on track to graduate just before her 21st birthday.

“I found my place,” she said proudly.