NYC charter schools: What you need to know about their operations

Charter schools are independently-operated public schools accountable for advancing student achievement.

New York City’s 281 charter schools are independent of the New York City Department of Education, but if they don’t meet certain student achievement standards, they can be closed. This combination of freedom and accountability allows charter teachers to adapt their classrooms based on their students’ needs while pushing for high academic achievement.

New York City’s charter schools have become a popular option for many students, especially from minority and economically disadvantaged families. Charter schools offer students opportunities for academic success that unfortunately cannot be said for some of the city’s public schools.

We’ve included a list of charter school benefits below to help you and your family consider if a charter school is the right fit for your student!

NYC Charters Do Not Succeed at the Expense of District Schools

Charter schools offer students opportunities for academic success that unfortunately cannot be said for some of the city’s public schools.Photo via Getty Images

A common myth is that as New York’s charter schools succeed, the city’s traditional public schools fail as a result.

A 2018 study by the Manhattan Institute concluded that “competition from New York City charter schools has either no effect, or a positive effect,” on the city’s traditional public schools.

In fact, district schools have improved significantly as charter schools have spread throughout New York City’s five boroughs. Funding for district schools has also increased as the student population at charter schools has gone up over the years.

Charter Schools are Specialized, with No Tuition Costs

Charter teachers adapt their classrooms and teaching methods to the current needs of their students. This freedom in the curriculum, teaching style, school missions and policies resembles that of private schools, enabling charter schools to provide the very best approach to academics that fits their students.

Though teachers have flexibility, charter schools are held accountable for levels of high academic achievement. If charter institutions underperform, they can be closed.

Charter Schools Have Ample Funding

About $18,340 is spent per pupil at New York’s charter schools (as per most recent NYSED Public School Data). Though this is less than the average funding per pupil in traditional district schools, charter schools and teachers clearly make the most out of their budget.

This funding by not-for-profit Boards of Trustees means that parents of charter students don’t have to spend money out of their own pockets to ensure their child receives a great education!

Charter Schools Don’t Pick Their Students

New York City’s charter schools admit students through a lottery system; they cannot select their students. This process gives students from all backgrounds and education levels an equal opportunity to attend and achieve academic success at charter schools.

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