Considering a Charter School
While many schools work to accommodate students via in-person or remote in the time of COVID-19 -many parents are seeking a school in what is the prime school-search season in New York City. If you are one of the thousands of families weighing their child’s educational options for pre-Kindergarten, elementary, middle, and high school, you are in the thick of applications, essays, and assessments or testing. Aside from your regular work and daily activities during this time, you now must add researching schools, contacting administrators, and Zoom touring neighborhood options to your busy to-do list. This is true whether you considering public or private schools.
So, how does one choose the best option? Begin with the big decision — public or private. Then, take a look at the options within your preferred category. For those utilizing the city’s public school options, you have many options in your district, with priority at your zoned school, and you will also have access to a host of charter schools.
Charter schools (founded by not-for-profit Boards of Trustees) receive government funding, but unlike public schools, they operate independently under a contract (or “charter”)—an example of what has been labeled by some as “public asset privatization” or contracting out. Many of the city’s charter schools utilize public school space. Since the passing of the New York Charter Schools Act of 1998, there has been debate from government officials and families alike on whether these schools should be considered public. According to the United States Department of Education, given that charter schools are open to all students and do not charge tuition, they are categorized right alongside your area public schools.
Charter schools may not have all the regulations of a districted school, but they are accountable for academic results and upholding promises that the charter school stemmed from. With well over 200 charter schools in the city, there are tens of thousands of New York City families that are served by these institutions, and these schools have thousands more on their waitlists.
Although every charter is different (the model, goals, and policies may vary) — overall, they are outperforming their neighborhood counterparts on state tests (English language arts and math).
Many families are drawn by the opportunity to send their children to high-performing charter schools. Most operate through a lottery placement system due to the demand.
For families in the midst of the school search, a common online application (available via nyccharterschools.org) represents approximately 75% of New York City’s charter schools, adding ease to the process of applying. New York families interested in applying to charter schools can our check individual school websites for listings of tours, open houses, and application instructions.
Psst…Not looking for a charter school at the moment? Take a look these preschools and nurseries? Check out Your Complete 2020 Guide to Preschools and Nurseries in New York
Charter School Listings
MANHATTAN
Capital Preparatory Bronx Charter School
755 Co Op City Blvd, Bronx NY
Since 2006, 100% of Capital Preparatory School’s graduates have been accepted to 4-year colleges. Now they are bringing that commitment to the Bronx. Founded by Dr. Steve Perry and Sean “Diddy” Combs, Capital Preparatory Bronx Charter School is committed to fostering a loving environment where students’ individual needs are met and expectations are exceeded. Their year-round, college preparatory model with a Social Justice theme allows their students to be more than scholars, they learn to be agents of change. Capital Prep offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum, an eclectic variety of athletic programs and programs for students who demonstrate extraordinary academic achievement. They are still accepting applications for both 6th and 7th grades for their waitlist. They say they have a solid, strong team of illuminators and plan to deploy full student support (academic, social and emotional) this year, saying “We will start strong no matter what!!”
Zeta Inwood 1 Elementary
652 West 187th St., New York, NY
Zeta Schools are high-performing, next-generation schools with an innovative, whole-child approach. Starting with a foundation of world-class academics, their complementary social-emotional program emboldens students with the skills to thrive. It is extraordinarily important that children have the time and space to explore potential interests and passions. That’s why at Zeta, students engage in Specialist Classes as part of the school day, which may include chess, music, art, sports, and Taekwondo. Currently, Zeta is accepting applications for pre-K through 3rd grade for the 2020-21 school year at schools located in Upper Manhattan and the Bronx.
BROOKLYN
Ember Charter School for Mindful Education, Innovation and Transformation
Elementary, Middle & High School
616 Quincy St., Brooklyn
500 Macon St., Brooklyn
(718) 285-3787
Ember offers a K-12 learning experience with an innovative culturally responsive and trauma-informed educational and human development program focused on empowering young people to become social entrepreneurs, engineers and global leaders. With our expansive progressive, holistic and global program, we’ve integrated a unique teacher-lead approach into our school to inspire and drive positive economic, socio-emotional and cultural outcomes within the communities we serve.
Urban Dove Team Charter School
1256 E. 21st St., Brooklyn, NY
917- 588-1002
Urban Dove Team Charter Schools are completely unique and innovative alternative sports-based high schools for over-aged, under-credited youth that combine a rigorous academic curriculum with a hands-on, real-world vocational program, and an award-winning college and career readiness program that strives to give each graduate a high school diploma, a foundation for higher education, and the job skills needed to enter the workforce. New students must be 16 years old or younger, have already attended 9th grade, and have completed less than 8 core credits. Visit www.urbandove.org to apply!
Williamsburg Charter High School
198 Varet St., Brooklyn, NY
347-217-6995
thewcs.org
The Williamsburg Charter High School unites youth, families, staff, teachers and the community at large in providing young people with the tools necessary to make sense of the world, preparing them in their journey to become citizens of the local and global community. Young people accomplish this through participation in a liberal arts education that includes language, literature, writing, science, history, mathematics, the visual and performing arts, technology and explorations in disciplines designed to teach justice, independent thinking, respect and compassion for themselves and others as well as the skills of critical thinking, communication and research.
QUEENS
Our World Neighborhood Charter Schools
OWN 1 Elementary School, 36-12 35th Avenue, Astoria
OWN 1 Middle School, 31-20 37th Street, Astoria
OWN 2 Elementary School, 135-25 79th Street, Howard Beach
Admissions: 646-415-2775, admissions@owncs.org
Our World Neighborhood Charter Schools (OWNCS) educates students to become independent thinkers and lifelong learners. The educational philosophy is based on inquiry, active and experiential learning, and social justice. OWNCS is committed to providing strong educational opportunities for children in underserved communities. They believe in the importance of creating socio-economically and culturally diverse schools. OWNCS is committed to an educational philosophy based on inquiry, active and experiential learning, and social justice. Through a literacy-based, integrated and standards-driven curriculum that encourages community and honors diversity, OWNCS students receive the broad education they will need to meet the academic and social challenges of the best New York City High Schools, and indeed, to thrive in today’s world.
BRONX/RIVERDALE
Brilla College Prep Elementary, 413 E 144th St
Brilla College Prep Middle School, 500 Courtlandt Ave
Brilla Veritas, 600 E 156th St.
Brilla Caritas & Brilla Pax, 2336 Andrews Ave
347-273-8439
Brilla Public Charter Schools, K-8 schools in the classical tradition, helps students to grow intellectually, socially and physically into young men and women of good character and spirit, and to be prepared for excellence in high school, college and beyond. Character development is just as important as academic outcomes, for that reason Brilla prioritizes a joyful environment and works in partnership with our families. Applications are rolling until all seats are filled. Call today.
Capital Preparatory Bronx Charter School
755 Co Op City Blvd, Bronx NY
Since 2006, 100% of Capital Preparatory School’s graduates have been accepted to 4-year colleges. Now they are bringing that commitment to the Bronx. Founded by Dr. Steve Perry and Sean “Diddy” Combs, Capital Preparatory Bronx Charter School is committed to fostering a loving environment where students’ individual needs are met and expectations are exceeded. Their year-round, college preparatory model with a Social Justice theme allows their students to be more than scholars, they learn to be agents of change. Capital Prep offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum, an eclectic variety of athletic programs and programs for students who demonstrate extraordinary academic achievement. They are still accepting applications for both 6th and 7th grades for their waitlist. They say they have a solid, strong team of illuminators and plan to deploy full student support (academic, social and emotional) this year, saying “We will start strong no matter what!!”
University Prep Public Schools
UP High School:
600 St. Ann’s Ave., 4th Floor
UP Middle School:
470 Jackson Ave., 3rd Floor
718-292-6543
hsadmissions@UPpublicschools.org
Opening its doors over 10 years ago, University Prep Charter High School (UPCHS) is among the highest performing High Schools in the Bronx. UPCHS is a free, public, 9-12, college-preparatory school serving 440 students in the Mott Haven neighborhood of the South Bronx. They boast an average 99% four-year graduation rate, 100% college acceptance rate, and a 98% parent approval rating. UPCHS is a proud recipient of the 2016 National Blue Ribbon Award and is consistently ranked among the top performing high schools in New York State. University Prep has expanded their locus of impact to grades 5-8 with the opening of University Prep Middle School last fall. At UPCMS they are extending their highly successful model and providing a path for younger students to reach even more impressive heights by 12th grade.
Urban Dove Team Charter School II
860 Forest Ave, Bronx
718-682-3975 or 646-341-0079
Urban Dove Team Charter Schools are completely unique and innovative alternative sports-based high schools for over-aged, under-credited youth that combine a rigorous academic curriculum with a hands-on, real-world vocational program, and an award-winning college and career readiness program that strives to give each graduate a high school diploma, a foundation for higher education, and the job skills needed to enter the workforce. New students must be 16 years old or younger, have already attended 9th grade, and have completed less than 8 core credits. Visit www.urbandove.org to apply!
Zeta Bronx 1 Elementary
222 Alexander Avenue, Bronx NY
646-897-4643
Zeta Schools are high-performing, next-generation schools with an innovative, whole-child approach. Starting with a foundation of world-class academics, their complementary social-emotional program emboldens students with the skills to thrive. It is extraordinarily important that children have the time and space to explore potential interests and passions. That’s why at Zeta, students engage in Specialist Classes as part of the school day, which may include chess, music, art, sports, and Taekwondo. Currently, Zeta is accepting applications for pre-K through 3rd grade for the 2020-21 school year at schools located in Upper Manhattan and the Bronx.
Charter Schools
MANHATTAN
Capital Preparatory Bronx Charter School
755 Co Op City Blvd, Bronx NY
www.capitalprepbronx.org
Since 2006, 100% of Capital Preparatory School’s graduates have been accepted to 4-year colleges. Now they are bringing that commitment to the Bronx. Founded by Dr. Steve Perry and Sean “Diddy” Combs, Capital Preparatory Bronx Charter School is committed to fostering a loving environment where students’ individual needs are met and expectations are exceeded. Their year-round, college preparatory model with a Social Justice theme allows their students to be more than scholars, they learn to be agents of change. Capital Prep offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum, an eclectic variety of athletic programs and programs for students who demonstrate extraordinary academic achievement. They are still accepting applications for both 6th and 7th grades for their waitlist. They say they have a solid, strong team of illuminators and plan to deploy full student support (academic, social and emotional) this year, saying “We will start strong no matter what!!”
Zeta Inwood 1 Elementary
652 West 187th St., New York, NY
Zeta Schools are high-performing, next-generation schools with an innovative, whole-child approach. Starting with a foundation of world-class academics, their complementary social-emotional program emboldens students with the skills to thrive. It is extraordinarily important that children have the time and space to explore potential interests and passions. That’s why at Zeta, students engage in Specialist Classes as part of the school day, which may include chess, music, art, sports, and Taekwondo. Currently, Zeta is accepting applications for pre-K through 3rd grade for the 2020-21 school year at schools located in Upper Manhattan and the Bronx.
