This week, we are excited to profile Marcelino Trillo, the extraordinary principal at Robert Treat Academy Charter School in Newark, New Jersey.
Born and raised in Kearny, on the border of Newark, Marcelino Trillo was the child of Spanish-speaking parents in an Irish New Jersey community. While he found his place at school, teachers took notice of him.
“Teachers noticed that I was a pretty good student and athlete, and they made me feel important and special,” said Marcelino.
This personalized attention instilled in him a sense of value and sparked a lifelong passion for education, motivating him to become a teacher. Marcelino pursued higher education at Rutgers University, enrolling in a five-year master’s program in secondary education to become a social studies teacher.
After completing his degree, Marcelino, still living with his parents, applied for an opening as a third-grade classroom assistant at Robert Treat Academy Charter School (RTA). Little did he know that this would become the only school where he would ever work—a constant in his life.
The neighborhood school that could.
A hallmark of Marcelino’s leadership is his focus on stability and community. Over the years, he took on multiple roles and gradually rose through the ranks to become principal. Marcelino believes that having served in these various roles—including teacher, coordinator, high school placement director, and vice principal—all at the same school provides the consistency his students need.
Founded in 1997, RTA was one of the first public charter schools in New Jersey and has since grown to be one of the most successful charter schools in Newark and one of the highest performing in the state. In 2009, it opened a second campus in the Central Ward—named after baseball legend Jackie Robinson.
Currently, RTA has an enrollment of about 700 students in grades K-8 across two campuses, with 96% identifying as Black or Hispanic and 73% living at or below the poverty line. Students at RTA typically achieve higher academic scores than their peers in other public charter schools and traditional public schools in the city.
“I like being the hardware store on the corner instead of Home Depot, and that’s what we’re supposed to be doing. All schools, regardless of their situation, should operate in this way, even in big cities,” said Marcelino.
A core focus at RTA is maintaining a low teacher-to-student ratio of 1 to 17. Each class has both an assistant and a teacher, ensuring that students feel valued, just like Marcelino did as a child. Building on this success, the school has added even more teaching assistants to better support students’ needs.
According to the latest New Jersey report card, RTA ranks in the top 96% for students per teacher ratio. However, RTA is in the 28th percentile in the state for spending per pupil. So, despite limited resources, RTA has accomplished a great deal.
“We believe in working hard, engaging in small group work, and meeting the kids where they are, while also having honest conversations with their families,” said Marcelino.
Marcelino’s steady impact at RTA is reflected not only in the school’s academic success but also in the numerous students who have gone on to prestigious universities and boarding schools, like Phillips Exeter Academy and The Lawrenceville School, many of whom received full scholarships. The student achievement scores in both math and English Language Arts at Robert Treat Academy are comparable to those in wealthier districts.
In 2008, RTA was selected as a National Blue Ribbon School, one of only 15 charter schools nationally to receive this honor. It was also featured as a Model School for the U.S. Department of Education.
“A great opportunity”
Marcelino believes in the potential of charter schools.
“I think charter schools have a great opportunity. It’s a niche market that is growing, and in New Jersey, the data indicate that charter schools are very successful,” he said.
His leadership style emphasizes collaboration over competition, despite the sometimes-contentious relationship between charter and traditional public schools.
“We have to move beyond the charter versus public debate because it’s not beneficial for anyone,” he remarked.
Regardless, Marcelino is committed to fostering an environment where educators and administrators collaborate to benefit all students, regardless of what type of school they attend.
“There’s room for everyone at the table to help kids. Anyone willing to contribute should be welcomed; it shouldn’t be a power struggle,” he added. “It shouldn’t be a competition over who is better. We should all prioritize the well-being of these children.”
Political leadership
RTA was founded as part of the North Ward Center by beloved Newark political leader Stephen N. Adubato, who served as a mentor to the community. “Big Steve” founded the North Ward Center nonprofit in 1970, which has provided educational, cultural, and social services to the area.
“As a young kid coming up, you know, he kind of instilled in all of us that you have to give back to the community wherever you are,” said Marcelino.
Unsurprisingly then, in addition to his role at RTA, Marcelino has also been involved in local advocacy, serving in elected office.
“I just feel like I have a lot to offer and give and try to help the community be the best that it can be,” said Marcelino.
Marcelino decided to become involved in local politics to fulfill his sense of civic duty and to set a positive example for his children. He serves as a councilman in Roseland, New Jersey.
His focus has been on supporting children and seniors, particularly through community programs like recreational sports. Marcelino believes that educators and charter school leaders have a responsibility to engage in public policy and advocacy to ensure that educational institutions continue to have the autonomy and support they need to thrive.
Marcelino also joined the board of trustees of the New Jersey Charter School Association and currently serves as vice-chair. During his tenure on the board, the association has made significant progress.
A vision for the future
Reflecting on his two-decade-long career at RTA, Marcelino takes great pride in the culture of care and excellence he has helped cultivate there. He is proud to be part of a community that values stability and a long-term commitment to the students it serves.
For Marcelino, education is not just a profession but a calling—a call that’s led to RTA year after year.