New York Charter Schools
Year charter school law was enacted
Estimated number of charter schools in 2020-2021
Estimated number of charter school students in 2020-2021
Find a New York charter school near you.
NY News
Most of the nearly 4,400 public schools in New York are operated by one of the state’s 686 school districts. Charter schools account for 341 of the state’s public schools, which operate with more autonomy than district schools. Charter schools operate under a contract with an authorizer, either the state’s public education authority or a school district.
Schools chartered by a district have more autonomy than other district schools but are still part of their local district. Currently, no local school district can authorize charter schools. All state-chartered schools in New York are authorized by the state’s public education authority and serve as their own Local Education Agency (LEA).
Source | New York Department of Education
*information up to date as of 2022
"Charter schools help to develop overall good citizens because they provide them with a strong academic foundation, and expose them to opportunities inside and outside of their communities. [Charters] also create opportunities for them to give back and be active participants in their communities which helps them become well-rounded individuals."
– Tamika Marcellin, Uncommon Schools founding parent, Brooklyn, NY
