Recently released New York State Education Department (NYSED) enrollment data for 2023-24 shows that enrollment in New York City charter schools grew 4.1% over the last school year.
A notable fact in the outline of these statistics is that the enrollment of Hispanic students in these autonomous schools increased by 7% between the 2022-23 and 2023-24 school years.
Additionally, one in three students are from communities of color in kindergarten. This means that 36.8% attend a Big Apple charter school.
English learners now make up 10.1% of all charter school students.
This educational system now enrolls more than 146,000 students and represents more than 15% of all public school students attending K-12 schools in the five boroughs, according to a statement shared by the NYC Charter Schools Center.
“New and returning New York City families choose charter schools for their children because they see the results. For 25 years they have helped prepare a generation of students for success inside and outside the classroom,” said James Merriman, executive director of this institution.
Myths in Hispanic families
Although many Hispanic families still have the false belief that these are unattainable schools for low-income children, or that special exams and extraordinary talents are required to enter, nothing could be further from the truth.
Charter schools are independently run public schools that are free and open to all children, regardless of educational background. There are no tests, auditions, or rehearsals, just a very brief application that asks for the child’s name, grade, and basic contact information.
You can apply until April 1
In some cases, they are the ideal system for children and adolescents who do not have English as their first language. And it is a model expanded in the five boroughs, especially in neighborhoods with very low-income populations in The Bronx, Brooklyn and Upper Manhattan.
Although each school has different schedules, in general, the deadline to apply for a place in one of the 275 charter schools in New York City for the next school year ends next April 1. That is, if you, as a parent and representative, are concerned about seeking the option of an autonomous school for your children, it is time to gather information related to registration.
Each center has its own website, where it explains in a very simple way how to apply and participate in the random selection lotteries.
How to apply?
- Use the common online charter school application to apply to multiple schools at once. Visit nyccharterschools.org/apply.
- Visit the website of the charter school you are interested in, which usually has very accurate information to apply online.
- Please note that the selection process is done through a lottery, in most cases priority is given to children who reside in the neighborhood or district where the school is located, as well as siblings of those who are already studying in a squad.
- Stop by the school to pick up an application or call the school and ask staff to mail you an application.