What are Public Charter Schools in NYC?

A Brief History of Charter Schools in NYC

New York City charter schools began their journey in the late 1990s and marked a significant shift in the city’s educational landscape. The first charter school in New York City opened in 1999, and since that time the movement has witnessed substantial growth that reflects demand from parents and students for more varied educational opportunities.

Today, NYC is home to nearly 300 charter schools that serve tens of thousands of students across the city. And while this expansion is a testament to the popularity and effectiveness of public charter schools, it’s also subject to a harsh limit by legislative caps. 

How the charter cap works in NYC

New York State sets a limit on the number of charters issued. As of 2024, the current number of allowed charters is 460, with 274 of those schools existing in New York City alone. Why do states place caps on charter schools? Many states cite the following reasons:

• Quality control: By limiting the number of charter schools, states say it allows them to more adequately monitor and support schools to maintain high standards.
• Resource allocation: Caps can help manage the distribution of funds between traditional public schools and charters. Advocates of caps believe that this protects traditional districts from loss of funding.
• Political compromise: In many cases, charter school caps are the result of political negotiations among lawmakers, educators, and interest groups.

 
The efficacy of charter school caps has long been debated, especially as public charter schools outpace traditional districts in measurable outcomes.

Charter Authorizers in NYC

In many states, charters are not overseen by local school districts but by state entities. This approach allows for more standardized and rigorous authorization and accountability systems. In New York, the largest and most influential state entity overseeing charter schools is the SUNY Charter Schools Institute. It grants charters based on comprehensive evaluations of proposed school models. This helps ensure that only those with the potential to provide a high-quality education earn approval.

How are charter schools funded in New York City?

Charter schools receive financial support through a combination of state funding formulas and federal grants. The authorizing bodies play a critical role in this aspect by determining the allocation of funds based on each school’s operational requirements and enrollment levels. While this ensures that charter schools have the resources they need to deliver on education promises, it also holds them accountable for performance and fiscal management.

Other sources of funding include parent and community fundraisers, which are often organized at the school level, as well as philanthropic donations from foundations and individuals.

Location and Enrollment Details

New York City’s charter schools have experienced explosive growth over the past 25 years, from a handful of schools to the 420 current locations spread across the five boroughs. In fact, NYC has the highest charter enrollment of any city in the United States —15% of New York City’s public school students attend charter schools, a total of 146,200 learners. There are charter school locations throughout the city, though most are concentrated in Brooklyn and the Bronx. Success Academy’s schools are located across Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, and Queens.

Lottery and Admissions Policies

If there’s a downside to charter school enrollment, it’s that demand is high, and seats are limited. Because of their innovative approach to student achievement, charter schools often face high demand from families seeking an alternative to the traditional model.

To manage this high demand, most charter school admissions policies include a lottery system. The lottery system ensures an equitable selection process and gives each student an equal chance at admission. Some charter schools do offer preferential treatment as part of the lottery process, often to English-language learners or students from low-income families, to promote diversity within the student body. Other preferences may be given to students who have siblings already attending a school.

Due to overwhelming interest and demand, it’s not uncommon for charter schools to have waitlists. The waitlists are backup options for students who weren’t initially selected and offer a chance to enroll should spots open later.

Success Academy, NYC’s largest charter school network, uses a lottery as part of the admissions process. What sets Success Academy apart is its extensive outreach in communities across the city that are underserved by the existing public school infrastructure. Success Academy has many locations set across the city, while maintaining high quality standards at each school. Because of the number of Success Academy schools, students automatically apply for admission to the closest five locations, with the option to choose five more for up to 10 potential schools. 

Apply now to reserve your child’s spot in the Success Academy charter school lottery.

Charter School Curriculum and Special Services

Charter schools like Success Academy often provide students with additional benefits that traditional public school districts may not, including an enhanced focus on college preparation.

A charter school’s college preparatory focus ensures students aren’t just aiming for high school graduation. It also equips them with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in higher education.

A common misconception is that public charter schools are highly selective about enrollment. Charter schools are public schools. They must provide Multilingual Learner (MLL) and English Language Learner (ELL) services to all students. According to the NYC Charter School Center, these students comprise 10.1% of NYC public charter school enrollment.

In fact, while providing these services for ELLs is a legal requirement, it’s also a focus for many charter schools. According to the same data presented above, 140 charter schools in New York City specifically featured preferences for MLLs in their most recent admission lotteries. Special education is also a priority at public charter schools. As many as 76 charter schools in New York City enroll a higher proportion of students with disabilities than the citywide average, and nearly 19% of enrolled charter school students have individualized education plans (IEP) to help them thrive.

At Success Academy, special education is called “Sprint” because its educators use controlled bursts of teaching energy to help students attain one short-term goal after another, adding up to great learning outcomes. SA Sprint students significantly outperform students in traditional New York City public schools — even those who don’t receive special education. Success Academy Sprint students achieve proficiency rates 38 percentage points higher in math and 4 points higher in ELA than students in traditional NYC public schools.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some typical curriculum focuses of NYC charters?

NYC charter schools often emphasize a variety of curriculum focuses to cater to diverse educational needs and interests. While many prioritize college preparatory courses, including advanced math, science, and language arts, others may offer specialized programs such as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), the arts, bilingual education, or entrepreneurship. This diversity of offerings allows families to choose schools that best match their children’s interests and learning styles.

Do all NYC charters have waitlists due to demand?

Many NYC charter schools do have waitlists, a testament to the high demand for the unique educational opportunities they offer. However, the existence and length of waitlists can vary significantly from one charter school to another, depending on factors such as the school’s reputation, the programs offered, and the number of available seats in relation to the number of applicants.

Are all NYC charters college preparatory focused?

While a significant number of NYC charter schools have a strong focus on college preparatory programs, aiming to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for higher education, not all charters are solely focused on college preparation. Some charter schools may prioritize other areas of learning and development, including vocational training, arts education, or social-emotional learning, depending on their specific mission and educational philosophy.

Are there any differences in teacher credentials at charters?

Teacher credentials at NYC charter schools can differ from those at traditional public schools. Charter schools have more flexibility in terms of hiring, which allows them to employ teachers who may not be traditionally certified but possess strong subject matter expertise or have extensive experience in non-traditional educational settings. However, many charter schools also seek out state-certified teachers who meet the same certification requirements as those in public schools, striving to ensure a high level of instruction and educational quality.