Application for the 2025 - 2026 school year is NOW AVAILABLE!

South Shore Charter School is a tuition-free public charter school in Central Islip, New York, serving scholars in Kindergarten through 5th grade and growing each year toward K–12. There’s no cost to apply or attend.

Have questions or want to learn more? Call us at (631) 864-7000 or email info@southshorecharterschool.org

WELCOME​

Message From Our Founder

“If you want your child to thrive in a environment that builds character, sparks creativity, and drives academic excellence, this is the place.”

Dermoth Mattison

Our Mission​

South Shore Charter School’s mission is to cultivate in our students the tenacity, integrity, and curiosity needed to become innovative and socially responsible leaders, ready to face and solve the ever-changing challenges facing our society.

Our Key Design Elements

SSCS Resilience Focused

Resilience Focused - Character Education

Character education is at the heart of what we do. Grounded in our GREAT values- Grit, Resilience, Excellence, Accountability, and Tenacity, we guide scholars to lead with integrity and realize their full potential.

Academic & Social Emotional Intervention Services

Academic & Social Emotional Intervention Services

Academic and social-emotional interventions are essential to our program, with targeted support for Students with Disabilities, English Language Learners, and Title I scholars. These services are delivered in small groups throughout the year to meet the unique needs of our most vulnerable learners.

Inquiry-Based Learning

At South Shore Charter School, every lesson begins with an essential question to spark curiosity and guide inquiry. Scholars engage in knowledge utilization, the highest level of learning on the Marzano Taxonomy, to apply what they learn in meaningful, real-world ways.

SSCS Extended Learning Time

Extended Learning Time

South Shore scholars benefit from an extended school day and year, designed to maximize learning and prepare them for long-term success. Our day runs from 7:45am to 4:00pm, with 185 days of instruction annually. Scholars also have access to After School and Saturday Academy programs for additional support and enrichment.

Social Emotional Learning

At South Shore Charter School, scholars develop the foundations for health, wellness, and balance in a supportive environment that fosters ethical, social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth. Each day begins with a 30-minute Morning Meeting focused on social-emotional learning.

Increased ELA & Math Instructional Minutes

Increased ELA & Math Instructional Minutes

South Shore Charter School scholars receive 165 minutes of ELA and 90 minutes of math instruction daily- laying a strong academic foundation for future success.

Our Partners

Our Statistics

Established
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School Days
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Serving Grades
K- 0
K-5 by 2027
Scholars
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450 in 2027
South Shore Charter School gives me peace of mind as a working parent. My daughter is thriving, both academically and personally, in a warm, safe environment where staff know every family. She’s excited to learn each day, and we’re proud to be part of the founding class.
Melissa Vassell
South Shore Charter School Parent

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