Community Charter School of Cambridge students cheer in January. (Photo: Gretchen Ertl)

From the Community Charter School of Cambridge, Feb. 16, 2016: The Community Charter School of Cambridge has been selected as one of just two finalists in the running for The Pozen Prize for Charter Schools. The Boston Foundation made the announcement at a special State House event with Gov. Charlie Baker and state Secretary of Education James Peyser.

The prize recognizes charter schools that have demonstrated consistent academic excellence in, for and by its students over the preceding three years. The Boston Foundation selected CCSC as one of two schools throughout Greater Boston as a finalist, making it the second time in three years the school has been nominated.

“We are so very proud of the work we have done serving all students effectively,” said Caleb Hurst-Hiller, head of school for CCSC. “External recognition like this is always welcome and appreciated. To be one of the two finalist schools for the Pozen Prize is an honor. As clichéd as it sounds, it truly takes a village – exceptionally talented and dedicated faculty and staff, committed and driven students who refuse to settle, and parents and guardians who actively partner with us in this work and support us at every turn. Our core belief that all students deserve the opportunity to receive the highest-quality education possible will continuing driving our work forward.”

CCSC has been recognized consistently for its commitment to academic excellence in recent months. In December the school received an official commendation from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education based on four years of state assessment scores. The Cambridge charter school got a 93 out of 100 score for cumulative progress and performance index for all students and a 98 for special-needs students.

In a statement about the prize finalists, The Boston Foundation said: “The instructional program at CCSC is characterized by high academic expectations for all students, matched with commensurate levels of support; deliberate and continually refined in-class teaching practices; and community involvement through which students develop strong relationships and communication skills.”

The Pozen Prize for Charter Schools was established at the Boston Foundation in the fall of 2013 by donors Robert and Elizabeth Pozen. The winner of the 2016 Pozen Prize will be selected by a volunteer panel in May and includes an $80,000 award to the chosen school.