Eugenio Maria De Hostos Charter School Campus Expansion

Creating an inclusive campus built for the next generation.

For more than 25 years, EMHCS has prepared Rochester’s bilingual students for success through an educational model rooted in academic excellence and local culture. As enrollment and programming needs continued to grow, the school embarked on a major campus expansion designed to provide a dedicated, future-focused environment for high school students. The project transforms the campus through new construction and adaptive reuse, creating a unified educational destination for grades 7-12. A new high school, the conversion of a century-old church into a Freshman Academy, and expanded athletic facilities support student success and community while reinforcing EMHCS’ role in Rochester’s educational landscape.

A New Home for High School Learning

A new two-story academic building provides dedicated space for grades 10-12, with capacity for 300 students. The building connects seamlessly to the renovated church and gymnasium for a cohesive campus experience.

Preserving the Past, Preparing for the Future

The church’s original architectural features (decorative columns, moldings, and historic organ pipes) were retained and celebrated throughout the design. Planning also capitalized on the generous vertical volume by constructing two new floors within, accommodating an administrative suite between the two floors of the Freshman Academy.

Athletics Without Compromise

Early planning explored several locations and building concepts before settling on a solution that protected views of the historic church while delivering a new Section V competition gymnasium. Positioned on newly acquired land north of the campus, the facility supports athletics, assemblies, and community events.

The Heart of Campus Life

Envisioned as the central gathering space for the entire high school population, the cafeteria brings together students across grade levels, supporting efficient circulation. Thoughtful space planning allows ninth-grade students to maintain their own identity while still benefiting from shared experiences and amenities.

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