History of Atlantis Charter School

Atlantis Charter School (ACS) has been a cornerstone of educational innovation and community engagement in Fall River, Massachusetts, since its establishment in 1995. As one of the original 13 pioneering charter schools in the state, ACS was founded to offer families a high-quality public education alternative, emphasizing academic excellence and community involvement.

Founding and Early Years

In 1994, a group of dedicated educators and community members recognized the need for diverse educational opportunities in Fall River. Their vision led to the application for a charter, which was granted in 1995, marking the inception of Atlantis Charter School. The school’s mission has always been to provide an education second to none, fostering academic excellence and lifelong learning skills.

Campus Evolution

Initially, ACS operated across multiple locations to accommodate its growing student body:

2501 South Main Street
Fall River, MA

64 Durfee Street
Fall River, MA

186 South Main Street
Fall River, MA

37 Park Street
Fall River, MA

139 South Main Street
Fall River, MA

991 Jefferson Street, Fall River, MA

In 2017, ACS unified its campuses into a state-of-the-art, 43-acre facility at 991 Jefferson Street. This consolidation provided students from kindergarten through 12th grade with modern classrooms, cutting-edge technology, and expansive athletic facilities, including a gymnasium and a waterfront track and field complex.

Athletics and Extracurricular Achievements

The transition to the new campus allowed ACS to greatly enhance its athletic programs. The Tritons gymnasium, equipped with a high school regulation-sized basketball and volleyball court, bleachers, and locker rooms, provided a dedicated space for sports and physical education. For the first time, Atlantis teams enjoyed a true home-field advantage, strengthening school spirit and community support.

Since then, ACS has continued to invest in its athletic facilities, adding a state-of-the-art turf field with a rubberized track, a large bleacher seating area, as well as full-sized baseball and softball fields, further enriching the student-athlete experience.

Milestones

  • 2017: ACS unified its campuses into a state-of-the-art, 43-acre facility at 991 Jefferson Street.
  • 2018: ACS celebrated its first high school commencement ceremony, with 40 graduates achieving a 100% college acceptance rate. Graduates were accepted into institutions such as UMass Amherst, UMass Dartmouth, Bristol Community College, and Bridgewater State University.

Looking Ahead

As ACS moves forward, it remains dedicated to providing an education second to none, fostering academic excellence, community involvement, and lifelong learning skills. The school’s history reflects a steadfast commitment to innovation, growth, and the betterment of the Greater Fall River community.