Our History

Evergreen Charter School received its charter on January 13, 2009. It was granted a five-year charter by the New York State Education Department Board of Regents to operate an elementary school in Hempstead, Long Island. The school opened with a kindergarten and first-grade class of 100 students in the fall of 2009. Since then, it has grown to now serve 850 students from kindergarten to tenth grade.

The concept for Evergreen Charter School was developed by Mr. Gil Bernardino, Founder and Executive Director of Circulo de la Hispanidad, and Dr. Sarah Brewster, Supervisor of Circulo de la Hispanidad. With support from Círculo’s employees, Board of Trustees, and friends, Evergreen took form. The Planning Board for Evergreen Charter School included: David Boone, Maritza Meyers, Luis Ras, Eliezer Reyes, Gladys Rodriguez, Rebecca Sanin, and Gerry Vazquez. Círculo also consulted with Sy Fliegel, Harvey Newman, Frank San Felice, and Linda Vergara. Círculo is thankful for those who contributed to helping the dream for Evergreen become a reality.

The vision of Evergreen emerged from many conversations from parents in the community over the years. Mr. Bernardino, founder and executive director of Circulo de la Hispanidad, a community-based nonprofit organization serving Long Island residents and their families since 1980, wanted to create an educational institution that would meet the needs of children and their families. Dr. Sarah Brewster, with her background in education and social work and her love and respect for the environment, joined with Mr. Gil Bernardino to develop the vision of the charter school. What developed was a concept for a strong academic program coupled with a curriculum that emphasized the environment, and knowledge of a second language (Spanish). The philosophy behind Evergreen Charter School is to prepare children to live in a global community, one that respects and values the dignity of all and prepares children for success in school and life.

Evergreen Charter School takes a whole-child approach to elementary education. Teachers, administrators, counselors, and dedicated support staff work together to meet the intellectual, social, behavioral, and emotional needs of each and every child we serve.