Applying to a NYS Charter School

Answers to commonly asked questions:

  • Charter schools are public schools and as such are tuition free.

  • Any child eligible to attend a district public school is eligible to attend a charter school.

  • Parents or legal guardians interested in sending their child to a charter school must participate in an application process.

  • Many charter schools have a limited number of seats available for students. If a charter school has more applicants than open seats for a particular grade(s), the New York State Charter Schools Act requires that the school hold a random selection process (lottery) to determine which students will be enrolled.  Note: charter schools are required to give an enrollment preference to students already attending the school, their siblings, and students who live in the district in which the charter school is located.
   
 
Overview
Key Questions to Ask
How to Apply
Find A New York State Charter School
NYS Charter School Performance
Parent Resources
 
   

How and When to Apply

There is no common application for NYS charter schools; you must apply directly to the school.  Most schools take applications beginning in December through April 1, for the following September, but you should contact the charter school(s) you are interested in directly for specific information.

Note too that every charter school is independently operated and takes a different approach to education.  You can learn more about each school’s approach in their school profile.  Each profile includes the grades offered, brief descriptions, contact information, the school's annual report card from SED, and for those schools authorized by SUNY, all reports from visits made to the school by the Charter Schools Institute.

Re-enrollment of Current Charter School Students

Currently enrolled students must 're-apply' to their charter school on an annual basis for enrollment during the next school year.  To ensure that your child can attend his/her charter school during the next school year, contact the school directly for details on the
re-application process. Keeping your address current with the charter school's office will facilitate the school sending you re-application information.