Our History

In 1985, the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo announced it would demolish the historic, St. Mary of Sorrows Roman Catholic Church. Luckily, a group of remarkable citizens banded together to save the church, and in 1986 it received landmark status and the planned destruction was halted. What they needed next was to find a purpose for the building. Ultimately, one million dollars was given from the state to restore and renovate it into Buffalo's first charter school, the King Center Charter School.

As the King Center Charter School continued to expand, the need to find a larger building with more classroom space and a proper Gymnasium became apparent. In 2015 after months of searching the King Center Board of Trustees purchased the former BPS School #71 located on the corner of Newburgh and Lang Ave. The building underwent a major renovation to include carpeted floors throughout the building, a technology lab, along with a refinished gymnasium and auditorium.

Students paper art squared

Quick Facts

  • Located in Buffalo Public School District

  • Renewed by the Charter Schools Institute through 2028

  • Featured in Hallmark Magazine, Successful Schools and Business First

  • First Charter School to open in Buffalo, New York in 2000

  • Award-winning facilities

  • Transportation provided

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