Who Can Apply?

In New York State, teachers, parents, school administrators and community residents, or any combination thereof, can submit an application to establish a charter school. These eligible applicants may file the application in conjunction with a college, university, museum, educational institution, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, or a for-profit business or corporate entity. 

These entities are sometimes referred to as “partners.”  If a not-for-profit or for-profit corporation will be significantly involved in the day-to-day operations of the school, including its educational program, the partner is known as an "educational service provider” or “management company.”

One of the strengths of the New York Charter Schools Act is that it provides three routes to apply for a charter: the Board of Regents, local boards of education (in New York City the Chancellor of the school district), and the State University Board of Trustees.  However, only the Board of Regents and the State University Board of Trustees can approve applications state-wide; local boards of education (and in New York City, the Chancellor) are limited to approving applications for charter schools within their districts’ boundaries.

The application process outlined in this section of the Institute's website pertains only to those applicants interested in applying to the Board of Trustees of the State University of New York for the authorization of their charter. 

The State University is nationally regarded for its rigor as a charter school authorizer.  SUNY is committed to the development of highly successful charter schools.

View the New York Charter Schools Act of 1998, including the changes made on April 1, 2007. Do you want to see specifically what changes were made? This version of the document tracks the changes.