FAQ Charter School
Yes. CS in New York are publicly funded schools that operate independently from local school districts.
Yes. Charter schools are tuition-free and open to all students.
When applications exceed available seats following the end of the application period, charter schools hold an admission lottery – a random drawing process.
Yes. CS in NY accept English language learners and students with disabilities.
Yes. CS may give enrollment preference to returning students, siblings of enrolled students, and students residing with the same
Yes. Charter schools must adhere to New York State Charter Schools Act of 1998.
Charter schools in New York may offer Kindergarten through 12th Grade instruction.
Yes. In fact, many charter schools have longer school days/years than traditional district schools.
Individual districts provide transportation to CS students on the same basis as nonpublic students.
Yes. A CS primary obligation is to work with the district to ensure provision of services.
Authorizers monitor the school’s performance toward academic and operational goals and determine whether a school may continue to operate for another charter term.
CS are public school created by parents, educators, civic leaders, and other community leaders.
CS in NY are independent and autonomous public schools founded by non-profit Boards of Trustees.
Yes. Under New York State law, the number of charter schools is limited to 460.
The Board of Trustees is the governing body of the SUNY. The Charter Schools Committee is a subcommittee of the Board of Trustees that oversees SUNY authorized charter schools. The Committee approves or denies charter applications, material revisions, and renewals, and sets SUNY charter school policies and
Standards.
The Institute, working on behalf of the SUNY Board of Trustees Charter Schools Committee, evaluates initial applications for charter schools, monitors student academic performance and school operations, and presents findings and recommendations regarding the renewal of a school’s charter to the SUNY Trustees.
Yes. A school’s Accountability Plan lays out specific student achievement goals that must be reached or it will be at risk of non- renewal.
The Institute evaluates charter schools using the school’s performance on New York State exams as well as additional metrics (high school graduation, college readiness) if applicable. Charters last up to five years and in order to continue operating, a charter school must demonstrate they have met the certain goals and measures.