InsideSchools.org reported that 24 charter schools are opening this fall and 1/3 of them are in Brooklyn.
What is a charter school?
Charter schools are free and public schools that operate independently. Instead, they create their own “charter”, a contract that explains their program and goals. Since they aren’t run by the NYC Department of Education, they can create their own program, choose their goals and hire their own staff. They are held accountable though: they must meet all the academic goals set by New York State. If they don’t, then the school can be closed.
How do I apply?
Since each charter school is independent, they don’t follow the DOE application process and each school has their own enrollment process. You need to contact each school to find out how to apply to that particular school. According to New York City Charter School Center, “charter schools in NYC (are required) to give preference to returning students, siblings of students already enrolled in the school and students who reside in the local Community School District in which the charter school is located. In addition, charter schools are permitted to give preference to students at risk of academic failure. This includes English Language Learners (ELL), students who are eligible for free or reduced price lunch and students who did not score at the proficient level on the state tests.