Dear EVCS Families,

Welcome back to another exciting year at Elmwood Village Charter School! We hope you have enjoyed a wonderful and restful summer break. We are thrilled to have each and every one of our students and families back as we embark on a new journey together of learning and growth.

The start of the school year is always filled with anticipation and promise, and we are committed to making the 25-26 school year a truly exceptional one for our students. Our dedicated team of educators and staff have been diligently preparing to create an engaging and nurturing learning environment where your child can thrive both academically and socially.

Our focus remains the same on fostering a strong sense of community within Elmwood Village Charter School. We encourage all our families to stay involved in your child’s education by attending school events, parent teacher conferences, and volunteering opportunities. We value your partnership and believe that open communication between home and school is vital to your child’s success. Together, we can make this school year a memorable and impactful one. We look forward to working closely with you and your family to create a positive and enriching experience for your child.

Get to know your School Leaders!

Christine Cleary, Principal:

I am honored and excited to officially welcome you to the 2025-26 school year! I come to EVCS with 23 years of experience, having spent the majority of my career in New York City and Long Island as an elementary teacher, middle school teacher, academic intervention specialist, K-8 assistant principal and principal. Additionally, I have expertise in Social Emotional Learning (SEL), and have trained school superintendents from around the state on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion(DEI).

I believe that all students deserve educational experiences of the highest quality, and that collaboration amongst stakeholders is the key to improved outcomes.

On a personal note, I grew up four blocks from Cazenovia Park (an Olmsted sanctuary) and spent countless hours playing and learning amid its green spaces and Victorian history. As I look out my EVCS office window onto the delightful Days Park (one of Olmsted’s hidden gems), I can’t help but feel the serendipity of the moment and the overwhelming sense that this is where I’m meant to be. It is my goal and passion to have every student and parent feel that same sense of belonging and home when they walk through the front doors of EVCS Days Park.

I am thrilled to be back in my hometown of Buffalo, NY and am wholly dedicated to the vision and mission of Elmwood Village Charter Schools and the success of ALL of our students!

Katie Istas, Assistant Principal:

I am thrilled for year 4 at EVCS! I look forward to strengthening relationships with all of you and can’t wait to meet our new students and families. A little about me: I have a background in Math and Special Education, specifically Middle and High School and have served as an instructional coach for pre-kindergarten through Middle School. I’ve also been an Adjunct Professor at Canisius College. I always find myself drawn to work that can really impact a community and am living the dream to do so in my own community! EVCS aligns with my personal view on education: a supportive learning environment paired with rigorous academics where all students learn and achieve at high levels. Raising a child takes a village and I’m happy to be part of that village and EVCS Days Park!

On a personal note, my husband and our two children, Andrew (6) and Olivia (4) live in Parkside. In our free time, we like to spend time outside, work on house projects and enjoy everything that the city has to offer!

I thank you for your ongoing support and am grateful for your partnership in your child’s education. Its an honor to serve you.