Charter School Facts

Charter schools are free, public schools serving Kindergarten to 12^th grade students and families. Charter schools are not district schools.
Charter schools are accountable to New York State and their authorizers. They have flexibility in exchange for accountability. Charter schools must demonstrate performance in the areas of academic achievement, financial management, and organizational stability.
Charter schools offer Special Education Services and accept students with IEPs. Charters accept students who are English Language Learners
More than 8,000 students are enrolled in Rochester charter schools—about 1/4 of Rochester’s K-12 student population.
Charter schools enroll students of all levels. Charters help students who are struggling and need extra help in school and also students who are right on track or ahead of grade level.
Safety and security are a top priority.
Students receive busing through their home district. Some charter schools provide busing even for students who live within 1.5 miles of the school location.
Teachers are required to have standard teaching certifications. The state allows up to 30% or 5 teachers (whichever is less) to have other qualifying credentials or requisite experience.
Students take state tests and regents exams.

Each charter school has its own offerings, which may include:

Co-ed, all male or all female options

Wrap around care, before and after school programs

Transportation/Busing

Emphasis on health sciences, science & technology, performing and visual arts, dual language programs, or a special focus on hands-on learning.

Athletics – baseball, basketball, bowling, cheerleading, cross country, dance, football, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, track & field, volleyball

Charter schools receive about 2/3 of the funding of district schools. Funding follows the student. If a student leaves their home district, the funding goes to the new school where the child attends.
Charter schools find and secure their own buildings.