The Holyoke Community Charter School (HCCS) received a charter from the Massachusetts Board of Education in 2000. In September 2005, HCCS opened its doors as a tuition-free public charter school for Holyoke’s school children. In its first year of operation, it served 624 students in grades K-7. The number of students enrolled rose to 702 students in grades K-8 in the 2006-2007 school year.
Enrollment at HCCS is open to all resident school children of Holyoke on a space available basis. Admission is non-selective and students are admitted to the school by open lottery. If spaces remain after the lottery is conducted, children from surrounding communities may apply for admission.