Directory of NYC Charter Schools - New York City Department of ...

Introduction
This directory provides information for parents/guardians who are considering enrolling their school-age children in a
New York City public charter school. You will find helpful information on public charter schools, how they operate, and
how you can enroll your children. You will also find profiles of the 99 New York City public charter schools currently
operating in all five boroughs.
General Information about Charter Schools
What is a charter school?
Charter schools are public schools that operate independently according to the terms of a five-year performance
�����������������������
Charter schools are free and open to all students: they do not charge tuition.
All charter schools commit to meeting or exceeding specific goals for academic performance.
�������������������������������������������������������������������-sanctioned bodies with the power to create
or renew charter schools).
Upon meeting or exceeding agreed-upon academic and operational goals, a charter school can be granted a
renewal for up to five more years by its authorizer. This process repeats itself in five-year cycles.
How are charter schools similar to other public schools?
Charter schools are open to all NYC students regardless of ability or income level.
Charter schools are publicly-funded and must administer all City and State exams.
Charter schools must meet or exceed state and federal academic performance standards.
Charters must comply with federal and state teacher certification requirements.
Like all publicly-funded schools, charter schools must meet New York State Board of Regents requirements and
state laws for health, safety, and student assessment.
Charter schools cannot discriminate in their admissions policies on any basis (ethnicity, gender, national origin,
��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
or income.
How are charter schools different from other public schools?
Charter schools operate independently because they are governed by not-for-profit board of trustees. These
boards are held accountable for ensuring that schools meet or exceed all academic and operational goals
established in their charters.
Charter schools must undergo annual reviews and audits of finances and management by their authorizers.
Charter schools are held strictly accountable by their authorizers for meeting academic goals. Schools that fail to
do so risk losing their charters to operate.
Charter schools set their own discipline codes, some of which are strict.
What are the potential benefits of enrolling my child in a charter school?
Charter schools provide an additional public educational option and may offer the kind of learning environment that
������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
curricula and teaching philosophies. However, here are some charter school characteristics that may help you decide
whether a charter school would be a good fit for your child:
Many charter schools hold longer school days and a longer school year; some even provide school on Saturdays.
This allows them to spend extra time making sure that students understand important concepts.
Charter schools tend to have low student-teacher ratios, offering personal attention for your child.
Most charter schools focus on preparing their students for the rigors of higher education and college.
vi