Fast Facts

Fast Facts: SUNY Authorized Charter Schools

(Updated January 2023)

  • 220 SUNY authorized charter schools
  • 79% of SUNY authorized charter school students are economically disadvantaged
  • 7% of SUNY authorized charter school students are English language learners
  • 16% of SUNY authorized charter school students are students with disabilities
  • 80% of SUNY authorized charter schools outperformed their district of location in mathematics
  • 81% of SUNY authorized charter schools outperformed their district of location in reading and writing
  • 41 SUNY authorized charter schools scored in the top 10% of public schools statewide in mathematics
  • 32 SUNY authorized charter schools scored in the top 10% of public schools statewide in English language arts

By the Numbers:

  • SUNY is the 5th largest authorizer of charter schools in U.S.
  • With more than 125,000 students, enrollment at SUNY authorized charter schools is greater than the enrollment in every district in the state outside of New York City.
  • 589 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 345 renewals since 2004.
  • 11% of SUNY authorized charter schools have not been renewed by the SUNY Board of Trustees.