How to Choose the Right Charter School
The driving concept behind the creation of public charter schools is to give parents choice.
How do I know if a school is the right fit for my child?
SUNY charter schools are diverse in both their mission and educational program. To determine whether a school is the right fit for your child, you should visit the school’s website and reach out to the school directly to learn more about their program, mission, and values. Other important factors to consider include school culture, extracurricular activities, class size, location, transportation, and college preparation.
Performance reports for every SUNY authorized school are also made available by the Institute.
What types of questions should I consider when choosing a charter school for my child?
The questions below can be used to assist parents in selecting a school for their child. Responses to these questions, along with a school visit, can be helpful in the selection process.
- What are the school’s goals?
- Is the school meeting its goals?
- What does the school expect from every student?
- How long has the school been operating?
- Do you think the school’s charter will be renewed? Why?
- How do parents know if the school is doing well?
- How will the charter school help my child succeed?
- What role do parents play at the school?
- How long is the school day? The school year?
- How many students are in each class?
Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing the Right Charter School
How do I enroll my child in a SUNY charter school?
To enroll your child in a charter school, you must first apply as seats may be limited. The Common Online Charter School Application (available ONLY for schools located in New York City) allows you to apply to multiple schools at once. Additionally, you can download an application from a school’s website or reach out to them directly to have a paper application mailed to you.
What is a charter school lottery?
When applications exceed available seats following the end of the application period, charter schools hold an admission lottery – a random drawing process. If their child is selected, families are given option to accept or decline the offer.
Are charter schools open to all students?
Yes. Charter schools are tuition-free and open to admission to all students, regardless of race, creed, gender, national origin, religion, ancestry, disability, aptitude or athletic ability. Parents have until April 1st of each year to submit an application to a charter school(s). When applications exceed available seats, charter schools hold an admission lottery. There are currently more than 173,000 students on wait lists for SUNY charter schools – a testament to the demand for high quality educational options.
Can charter schools have an enrollment preference?
Yes. Charter schools may give enrollment preference to returning students, siblings of enrolled students, and students residing with the same community school district. Additionally, if approved by its authorizer, schools may provide preference to ELLs, students with disability, students eligible for free or reduced priced lunch. Under New York State Law, charter schools may be single-sex.
Do charter schools accept English language learners and students with disabilities?
Yes. Charter schools in New York accept English language learners and students with disabilities. In fact, under New York State Law, charters must demonstrate their efforts to recruit these students.
What grades do charter schools offer?
Charter schools in New York may offer Kindergarten through 12th Grade instruction, depending on their approved educational models. Charter schools may also offer pre-kindergarten. Some schools may develop a unique model to serve specific populations of students. For example, the SUNY Trustees authorize two schools with an ungraded model serving students on the autism spectrum and high schools that serve over-age, under-credited youth.
Do charter schools have to offer the same amount of instruction as traditional public schools?
Yes. In fact, many charter schools have longer school days/years than traditional district schools.
Do charter schools offer transportation?
Individual districts provide transportation to charter school students on the same basis as nonpublic students. Charters may also provide their own transportation.