Fast Facts: SUNY Authorized Charter Schools

(Updated February 2026)

• 238 SUNY authorized charter schools
• 19 schools recognized with National Blue Ribbon
• 82% of SUNY authorized charter school students are economically disadvantaged
• 9% of SUNY authorized charter school students are English language learners
• 18% of SUNY authorized charter school students are Students with Disabilities
• In 2024-25:
  • 84% of SUNY authorized charter schools outperformed their district of location in mathematics
  • 90% of SUNY authorized charter schools outperformed their district of location in reading and writing
  • 40 SUNY authorized charter schools ranked in the top 100 of public schools statewide in mathematics
  • 35 SUNY authorized charter schools ranked in the top 100 of public schools statewide in English language arts

• SUNY is the 4^th largest authorizer of charter schools in U.S.
• With more than 117,000 enrolled students, enrollment at SUNY authorized charter schools is greater than the enrollment in every district in the state outside of New York City.
• 604 applications have been submitted to SUNY since it began authorizing charter schools in 1999.
• For new charter school application, there is a 38% overall approval rate.
• The National Association of Charter School Authorizers has recognized SUNY with the “Best Application Process” for new charter school applicants.
• The SUNY Charter Schools Institute has conducted 481 renewals since 2004.
• 11% of SUNY authorized charter schools have not been renewed by the SUNY Board of Trustees.