Resources for Community Members
The Institute has compiled a variety of helpful information and resources for parents, educators, government officials and other members of the community seeking information on SUNY charter schools.
About SUNY Charter Schools
| Resource | What it helps with | |
|---|---|---|
| Why New York charter schools are different | Understand how charter schools work in New York, choosing and applying to a school, and accessing resources for families | |
| How to choose a charter school for your child | Learn about the charter enrollment process and what questions to consider when choosing a charter school | |
| Complaint Process & Foil Request | New York State law on the charter school complaint process; how to submit a FOIL request to the Institute | |
Charter School Organizations and Advocacy
| Organization | Mission |
|---|---|
| National Charter School Resource Center | An initiative of the U.S. Department of Education's Charter School Programs (CSP) and is a source for high-quality charter school resources and CSP grantee technical assistance. |
| National Alliance for Public Charter Schools | The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools is a national nonprofit organization committed to advancing the charter school movement. We help put families in charge of their child’s education, principals in charge of their schools, teachers in charge of leading their classrooms, and students in charge of their futures. |
| New York Charter Schools Association | NYCSA brings together insights and experiences from hundreds of these schools across the state to serve as a unified voice for our sector and fight to ensure they are supported in their mission of making education more equitable across the state. |
| New York City Charter School Center | The New York City Charter School Center helps new charter schools get started, supports existing schools, and builds community support so that highly effective schools can flourish. |
Understanding Resource Types
| Resource Type | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Guide or Guidance | Explanatory material that helps users understand an Institute process, expectation, or legal requirement. |
| Template | A structured document that supports preparation of a submission, report, plan, or other school document. |
| Model Document | An adaptable example that demonstrates one possible approach and may require school-specific or legal review. |
| Sample | An illustrative example provided for reference rather than a universal or required format. |
| Report | A public document describing school performance, finances, evaluation findings, or an authorizer decision. |
| Calendar | A dated list of deadlines, recurring submissions, or planning milestones. |
Frequently Asked Questions About Charter Schools
How are charter schools created?
Charter schools are public schools created by parents, educators, civic leaders, and other community leaders. Applicants must apply and secure the approval of an authorizing entity by demonstrating their ability to operate a school successfully, respond to community needs, and present a compelling case that the school will likely improve student learning and achievement.
Are charter schools public schools?
Yes. Charter schools in New York, including the more than 200 authorized by the State University of New York (SUNY) Board of Trustees, are publicly funded schools that operate independently from local school districts.
Who leads charter schools?
Charter schools in New York are independent and autonomous public schools founded by non-profit Boards of Trustees. Every charter has a “school leader” responsible for management of the school and accountable to the Board. Charter management organizations must also be nonprofit.
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.
Do charter schools have to follow the same laws and regulations as traditional schools?
Yes. Charter schools must adhere to New York State Charter Schools Act of 1998, which requires schools to adhere to all health, safety, and civil rights laws required of other public schools. They must also meet the same student assessment requirements. However, they are exempt from other laws and regulations
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.
Do charter schools offer special education?
Yes. A charter school’s primary obligation is to work with the district to ensure provision of services as required by a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).
How do I know whether a SUNY charter school is high performing?
The Institute publishes performance reports for every SUNY authorized school. We recommend reviewing the most recent Renewal Recommendation Report and Accountability Plan Progress Report to learn about a school’s history, academic program, instruction, operations, governance, and student achievement.