Mission & Vision

Our Mission 

The mission of Marion P. Thomas Charter School is to build culturally rich, transformative educational spaces that cultivate successful, lifelong innovators who use their passions, character, and intellect to better themselves, the greater Newark community, and the world beyond.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The MPTCS Crest represents the core values and beliefs of the MPTCS Village:

 

The Sankofa Bird is based on a mythical bird with its feet firmly planted forward and its head turned backward.  This West African symbol, which means to “go back and get it,” was selected because it represents the belief that the past serves as a guide for planning the future. At MPTCS,  we are teaching our scholars to use knowledge from the past to inform, inspire, build a successful future, and give back to the community. 

The Tree of Knowledge symbolizes lifelong learning that is rooted in rich culture and well-rounded experiences.  Just as the branches of a tree strengthen and grow upwards to the sky, our scholars will grow stronger, striving for greater knowledge and new experiences, as they move through life.  The roots represent a connection to our families, culture, and communities, and the outline of the book demonstrates our quest to impart knowledge and develop lifelong learners and innovators.

The Torch represents the igniting of fire, passion, and leadership in our scholars.  Our goal is to develop trailblazers who light their own paths.

The Tiger encased in the heart signifies the balancing of strength, boldness, resilience, and prowess with compassion and strong character.  MPTCS scholars will become good people who are courageous and self-aware.  

The Village banner proclaims that we are a Village comprised of students, staff, parents, board members, community, and corporate partners who operate by our motto, “It takes a village to raise a child,”  and 1999 is the year MPTCS was founded.