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. Other helpful resources include:
- National Charter School Resource Center
- National Alliance for Public Charter Schools
- New York Charter Schools Association
- New York City Charter Schools Center
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?
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.