The Benefits of New York City Charter Schools

By Joe Pantorno

Throughout the course of the pandemic, many New York City students and parents have had to adjust to online learning while school doors were shut. Some parents later opted to send their child back to school buildings, masked up and ready to learn.

Even though New York was able to flatten the curve initially, there still remains the question of what school will look like for the remainder of the 2021 school year as the vaccine becomes available. However, it isn’t too early for parents to plan ahead for next year and beyond when school doors re-open.

The school choice movement has provided parents in New York City and across the United States with more options on where to send their children.

While the only legitimate options in the past were between public, private and homeschooling, charter schools have become a viable and attractive option for a child’s education.

A charter school is an independently-operated public school that usually operates under a contract with a government agency or non-profit organization. It allows the school to not have to follow a mandated curriculum, thus designing their classrooms and lessons to fit the individual student’s needs.

While the idea of charter schools has been met with plenty of criticism, there are overarching advantages of sending your child to such an institution:

Adapting to Challenges

Within today’s educational landscape lies the growing challenge of properly informing, preparing, and developing students who learn and grow under different circumstances.

There are four ways children can properly learn and retain the material of their coursework: visual, auditory, reading/writing, and kinesthetic.

Charter schools can provide a perfect match.

If your child is struggling with learning disabilities that withhold them from flourishing at public or private schools, there are charter-school options.

If your child is advanced and is not being challenged enough in most group settings, there are charter-school options.

Specialization With No Tuition

Charter schools provide the best of both schooling worlds.

While they are independent, they still must have licensed teachers, students must take state-mandated tests, and underperforming institutions can be closed — much like most public and private schools.

But the ability to tweak the curriculum and offer specific courses that set it apart from public schooling.

The best part? Parents won’t have to pay tuition as they would in private school. Charters are funded on tax dollars.

They Outperform Public School

Looking at the data, New York City charter schools are putting up better numbers than public schools.

According to the New York Department of Education, public school students grades 3-8 were 47% proficient in English Language Arts (ELA) and 46% proficient in math in 2019.

Per NYCCharterSchools.org, charter schools in the city provided much higher proficiency numbers last year.

ELA proficiency rates for students grades 3-8 were at 57.3% while math proficiency rates were at 63.87%.

Those numbers result in more learning gains, allowing students to learn more material in the same amount of time as public-school curriculum allows.

Charter Schools Have Plenty of Support

Parents’ schedules are already packed as it is. Their wallets might not be overflowing, either. The last thing they need to do is participate in fundraisers to get their public school some extra money.

Charter schools don’t have that problem as they are privately funded more often than not, meaning parents won’t have to donate more of their hard-earned money to ensure their child gets a proper education.

Here Are Some Charter Schools to Consider in NYC and Near

Manhattan

Capital Prep Harlem Charter School
1 E. 104 Street, New York, NY 10029
info@capitalprepharlem.org
capitalprepharlem.org

Founded by Dr. Steve Perry and Sean “Diddy” Combs, Capital Preparatory Schools’ mission is to provide historically disadvantaged students with the college and career readiness skills needed to become responsible and engaged citizens. Capital Prep Harlem offers scholars grade 6-12 a comprehensive education with a Social Justice lens, resulting in a community of lifelong learners and leaders. 100% of Capital Prep graduates have been accepted to 4-year colleges since the first graduating class in 2006!

The Equity Project (TEP) Charter School
4280 Broadway, New York, NY 10033
212-328-1775
tepcharter.org
Join the TEP Family!  

Located in the NYC neighborhood of Washington Heights, TEP’s mission is to achieve educational equity for students by utilizing master teachers to provide rigorous ACADEMICS, ARTS, and ATHLETICS instruction.

In addition to all subjects areas, all TEP students receive daily Music and Physical Education, and enjoy fresh and nutritious breakfast, lunch, and snack, prepared daily by our in-house Kitchen team!

TEP cares about the social and emotional health of our students. TEP assigns one Social Worker per grade. Each Social Worker moves up with all students of that cohort as students advance to future grades.

TEP serves students in Kindergarten through 8th grade.

Apply for Kindergarten Today: tepcharter.org/application.php

Inwood Academy for Leadership
IAL Middle School
433 West 204th Street, New York, NY
646-665-5570
IAL High School
3896 10th Avenue, New York, NY
212-304-0103
inwoodacademy.org

Inwood Academy for Leadership is a grade 5-12 charter school in and for the upper Manhattan and Bronx community. The school’s mission is to empower students to become agents for change through community-focused leadership, character development, and college preparedness. They have an inclusive, supportive and rigorous academic approach, allowing them to serve students of diverse backgrounds and abilities and help them each thrive. Applications are open for all grades, with the greatest number of seats available in the incoming fifth grade class.  Inwood Academy gives lottery preference to students learning English as a new language.  Apply online at inwoodacademy.org/admissions or call 212-304-0103 for assistance to apply by phone.

Manhattan Charter School
212-533-2743
100 Attorney Street—New York, NY 10002

Manhattan Charter School 2
212-964-3792
220 Henry Street—New York, NY 10002
manhattancharterschool.org

They are two small public elementary schools educating children in grades Kindergarten through Fifth. They believe in the importance of an intimate school culture and learning environment, and are committed to offering a well-rounded education designed to help students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This means that there are never more than 25 students in a class, and that all students receive weekly French, Art, Physical Education, and Technology instruction, in addition to daily music instruction all beginning in Kindergarten. They pride themselves on delivering challenging, standards-driven instruction and fostering a culture of high expectations. Both schools offer after school. They are dedicated to demonstrating that all children, regardless of race or economic status, can succeed when given equal access to quality education.

School in the Square Charter
120 Wadsworth Ave, New York, NY
718- 916-7683
schoolinthesquare.org

School in the Square (S2) is a charter K-8 elementary and middle school in the Washington Heights and Inwood communities that engages, educates, and empowers its students to respond mindfully and creatively to life’s opportunities and challenges. S2 draws its name from the concept of the public square, where communities come together to solve problems

and celebrate successes. They envision S2 as a place where students, families and educators are seen, heard and inspired, and where students build the academic foundations, emotional

intelligence and leadership skills necessary to excel in college and professional life. Sign up for a virtual Open House or enroll at:schoolinthesquare.org/enrollment/

St HOPE Leadership Academy Charter School
222 W 134th St, New York, NY 10030
212-283-1204
admissions@sthopeharlem.org
sthopeleadershipacademy.org

St HOPE Leadership Academy Charter School is a public charter middle school in NYC. The school opened in the fall of 2008, and it currently serves scholars in grades 6, 7, and 8. St HOPE proudly lives its mission in Central Harlem, that being: “To prepare scholars for a college-preparatory high school, committed to serving others, and passionate about lifelong learning.” Examples of the school’s mission are seen in its rigorous, student-centered and culturally responsive curriculum, college visits, extensive character and leadership development, and a commitment to restorative practices. St HOPE was named a 2021 New York State School of Character.  Apply by April 2 for the 2021-22 school year: sthopeleadershipacademy.org/ourpages/student_app.jsp

WHIN Music Community Charter School
401 West 164th Street, New York, NY
office@whinmusic.org
844-489-0817
whinmusic.org

WHIN Music Community Charter School is built on the principles of El Sistema where staff, families, and students work together to ensure every child reaches their full potential.  They believe… 

• all children deserve high quality education, access to academic rigor, music, and a holistic approach to developing character. 
• collaboration with families ensures the greatest success for our learners. 
• restorative justice, inquiry-based hands on learning, and authentic learning experiences provide the most effective environments for growth, success, and joy.

The school makes academics a priority while also ensuring students’ character and social-emotional growth. With music at the school’s core, students work together to create something bigger than their individual skills, and this approach extends to their classrooms where project-based, hands on learning cultivates curious, creative, and hardworking children. Visit the website for more information and to Apply for 2021-22: https://whinmusic.org

Zeta Charter Schools
Zeta Inwood 1 – 652 West 187th Street, New York, NY
Zeta South Bronx – 425 Westchester Avenue, NY
Zeta Bronx Mount Eden – 1325 Jerome Avenue, NY
Zeta Bronx Tremont Park – 1910 Arthur Avenue, NY
zetaschools.org

Zeta Schools are high-performance, next-generation schools with an innovative, whole-child approach, preparing children for a modern world economy. Starting with a foundation of world-class academics, their complimentary 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 art, dance, chess, music, sports and Taekwondo. Now until April 1, Zeta is accepting applications for pre-K through 4th grade for the 2021-22 school year.

Brooklyn

Ascend Public Charter Schools
15 K-12 schools in Brownsville, Bushwick, Canarsie, East Flatbush, Cypress Hills, East New York, and Lefferts Gardens
347-464-7600, ext. 1002
ascendlearning.org/enroll

In largely underserved communities, students at Ascend are placed firmly on the path to success in college and beyond, and are offered an opportunity to transform their lives. Ascend provides an ambitious liberal arts education inspired by the country’s finest schools, creating a clear path to college and career success, in beautiful, newly renovated buildings where Ascend families and students are cherished members of a warm, supportive community that fosters social skills, self-reliance, and intellectual confidence. These are free public schools open to all, regardless of academic ability, prior academic achievement, special needs, or English language learner status. Now accepting applications for the upcoming school year at ascendlearning.org/enroll. Visit one of their upcoming Virtual Information Sessions to learn more.

Brooklyn Charter School
545 Willoughby Ave, 3rd Floor, Brooklyn
718-808-6271
brooklyncharter.org

Vision: At BCS they have a precious opportunity to prepare children to be successful and to engage them in making meaningful contributions to the world in which we live.  Their mission is to provide a rigorous academic program supported by the Arts and Technology that cultivates the whole child. Through achievement and creativity, and in partnership with the school’s families, students will develop the necessary confidence, intellectual capacity and leadership skills to prepare them for an evolving global society.  Learn more or apply today at: brooklyncharter.org/apply/!

Community Roots Charter School
Middle: 50 Navy St, Brooklyn
Elementary: 51 Saint Edwards Street, Brooklyn
Elementary: (718) 858-1629
Middle: (718) 522-2166
communityroots.org

Community Roots Charter School is a rigorous public learning community serving grades Kindergarten through 8 where education is embedded in meaningful real-world contexts and children are deliberately taught to see the connections between school and the world. Community Roots students will meet or exceed the Common Core Standards and be prepared to excel in the 21st century by becoming independent thinkers and working productively within a diverse group of learners. Here, students learn to combine curiosity with appropriate application, which leads to deep understanding and the confidence to become who they want to be. Located in District 13, Community Roots is co-located in two DOE buildings at 50 Navy Street (grades 6-8), and 51 Saint Edwards Street (grades K-5). Contact dforsythe@communityroots.org or apply today communityroots.org!

Explore Schools
Prospect Heights, Crown Heights, Flatbush, and Canarsie – Brooklyn
718- 989-6730
exploreschools.org
information@explorenetwork.org

At Explore Schools, students are taught the academic skills they’ll need to succeed in a college-preparatory high school – and, just as importantly, to love learning right now. A network of elementary and middle schools, they offer a rigorous and inclusive academic program, with small-group instruction, an extended school day, Common-Core aligned curricula and enrichment classes. Their classrooms are joyful and safe spaces. They are proud of their school culture, which is characterized by hard work, achievement and mutual respect between students and adults. Parents are an important part of their community. They encourage your involvement and volunteering efforts. They welcome English Language Learners and students with special needs, and offer special education, counseling and support services. Their schools are located in Prospect Heights, Crown Heights, Flatbush and Canarsie. Learn more or apply today: exploreschools.org/enroll/

Launch Expeditionary Learning Charter School
1580 Dean Street, Brooklyn
718- 715-1191
launchschool.org

Launch is a 6th – 8th grade middle school located on the border of Bed-Stuy and Crown Heights where every child and every family is known well and cared for, and every student develops both their intellect and their character in order to achieve more than they thought possible.  Launch partners with NYC Outward Bound Schools and EL Education to bring our vision to life! Students have the opportunity to learn with purpose, develop their character, and unleash their potential through compelling hands-on learning and a deep sense of belonging and personal agency.  Launch is a restorative justice school where all students are supported to be their best.  Launch students attend the very best college preparatory high schools in New York City and beyond. Students can apply on our website or by phone.  Join a Virtual Information Session: Wednesday, March 17h at 6:00pm or Apply now at: launchschool.org/apply-now/apply

LEEP Dual Language Academy Charter School
5323 Fifth Avenue, 2nd Floor, Brooklyn
(917) 819-LEEP (5337)
leepacademies.org

LEEP Dual Language Academy Charter School is a Spanish-language immersion elementary school in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. Enrolling at LEEP Academy will give your child the academic, cognitive, and cultural benefits of speaking a second language, along with a challenging academic experience—and no tuition bill. The school is led by a proven leadership team and experienced teachers from across Latin America and the United States, all of them fully bilingual.  Now accepting applications for the 2021-22 school year for children entering K-2, regardless of language background. The school will grow to serve K-5, with a possible continuation into middle school.  DOE school bus service is available from most neighborhoods in Brooklyn. Afterschool programs are available until 6pm daily, including arts, exercise, and homework help in English and Spanish.  Learn more or Apply now at: leepacademies.org/apply/

The New American Academy Charter School
9301 Avenue B, Brooklyn
718-385-1709
tnaacs.org

At TNAACS they firmly believe that all students deserve a rigorous, well-rounded education. A vital component of this is enrichment, including music, physical education, technology and health and wellness, all of which are crucial to a student’s success. The school’s goal is to produce students who are also socially & emotionally educated, who look out for number two instead of number one, who can think critically, demonstrate leadership and are responsible citizens.  At the center of TNAACS are their HEARTS of Humility, Empowerment, Aspiration, Responsibility, Teamwork and Scholarship. These values are infused into everything they do and ensure their students have the social and emotional skills necessary to be successful both in school and in life.  Learn more or Apply today at: tnaacs.org/admissions

New Visions Humanities III
3000 Avenue X, Brooklyn
newvisions.org/hum3
hum3admissions@charter.newvisions.org

The school was founded in 2013. It is a 21st-century learning environment that equips students for success in college, career, and life using the 4C’s of the 21st century – Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking and Creativity. At Humanities III, the school exemplifies:

Excellence – 94% Graduation rate with 100% College Acceptance rate for each of the four graduating classes

Leadership – Student Ambassadors Program and a Chapter in the National Honor Society

Independence – Project Based Learning incorporating student voice & choice

Thoughtfulness – Social Emotional Learning for all scholars twice a week

Empowerment – Advocacy and College & Career ready experiences starting in 9th grade

This is a Small School doing Big Things through their vast elective course options and community partnerships, and they pride themselves on the support they provide students through their Social & Emotional Learning sessions. They do not screen and there are no additional admissions requirements such as exams or interviews. Interested families can apply online at newvisions.schoolmint.net by April 1st to be included in our lottery.

Uncommon Schools NYC
24 schools throughout Brooklyn
718-363-5024
uncommonschools.org/enrollnyc

Uncommon Schools NYC is a free K-12 public charter school in Brooklyn accepting applications in grades K through 8 for fall 2021. Their 24 schools provide a loving yet rigorous learning environment that guides each child to success in college and beyond. Join Uncommon NYC in developing today’s learners into tomorrow’s leaders! 

Top Reasons to Join Uncommon Schools

• Award winning college preparatory curriculum
• Caring & Supportive Community
• Full K-12 Experience 
• Whole child development through diverse electives and enrichment programming
• Apply today at uncommonschools.org/enrollnyc or call (718) 363-5024.
• Application deadline is Thurs, April 1st.

Urban Dove Team Charter Schools
UD Team Brooklyn
1256 E. 21st Street, Brooklyn
917-588-1002
urbandove.org

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 and an award-winning 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.

Eligible applicants are: 

• Graduating 8th graders who repeated a grade in middle school 
• 9th graders who have less than 8 credits 
• 10th graders and up who have less than 18 credits 
• All students must be 16 years old or younger at the time of acceptance

Visit urbandove.org to apply! 

Queens

Academy of the City Charter School
31-29 60th Street
Woodside, NY  11377
718-487-9857
academyofthecity.org

Mission:  Academy of the City fosters community, supports families, welcomes children of all backgrounds, celebrates diversity and promotes social justice. With a challenging, hands-on liberal arts experience the school strives to develop joyful, creative, independent and successful lifelong learners.  With a progressive educational model, the Academy’s goal is to motivate and prepare students to engage in a lifelong love affair with learning, resulting in a meaningful and productive life. The school’s teachers are firmly committed to empowering students to embrace their proficiencies, skills, and interests, and to eventually take their place as citizens of today’s increasingly global world.  The Academy believes in an integrated educational approach, where even the youngest students experience personal and educational growth as a result of a diverse student body that more closely mirrors the world outside the Academy’s doors. The school’s rich and varied curriculum and our focus on the uniqueness of each child’s needs and aspirations is a proven model for long-term success.

Elm Community Charter School
69-26 Cooper Ave
Glendale, NY 11385
347-474-3288
mainoffice@elmcharterschool.org
elmcharterschool.org

Elm Community Charter School is a K-4 elementary school servicing the families in Central Queens (District 24). Elm’s mission is to cultivate student leaders with the character and capacity to form their own identity, seize any opportunity, and shape the world around them. Elm has a focus on small group learning, inquiry-based learning, social emotional learning, and creative courses. At Elm, the schedule allows for 2-3 hours of small group learning daily, and our academic program is designed to equip students with the fundamental reading, writing, math, and science skills they need to engage with relevant everyday problems and questions. Elm additionally has a social emotional curriculum that empowers our students to advocate for themselves and others. Visit elmcharterschool.org/apply to apply to Elm today!

Forte Prep
51-35 Reeder St., Elmhurst
929-666-4430
forteprep.org

Forte Prep is a charter middle school open to students in grades 5-8. The school is driven by a philosophy of achieving excellence in all facets of life and learning with the belief that education can transform the lives of students from diverse backgrounds. Through rigorous academics, creative & technological enrichment and leadership development, students are prepared to excel at college preparatory high schools and beyond.  Forte Prep graduates can enroll in top-quality public, independent and charter high schools across the city and beyond, and the staff works with students and families to help them get there starting Day 1.

New Vision Advanced Math & Science H.S. IV
156-10 Baisley Boulevard, South Jamaica
newvisions.org/ams4
For Inquiries: ams4admissions@charter.newvisions.org

AMS IV is a STEAM school where the culture is centered on PRIDE – Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Discipline and Excellence. Scholars experience a family-like atmosphere that prioritizes project-based learning and supporting their Social and Emotional needs.

Some of AMS IV’s most valuable things you should know are:

1. Through an advisory structure they ensure a strong connection between the school community and families.
2. AMS IV offers scholar supports that foster life skills beyond graduation; by way of courses focused in College & Career Readiness,  entrepreneurship, Health & Wellness
3. AMS IV’s grade level school counselors loop with scholars from 9th grade through 12th grade and a social worker designated to lower house (9th & 10th grade) and upper house (11th – 12th grade)

The Renaissance Charter School
35-59 81 Street, Jackson Heights
718-803-0060

The Renaissance Charter School 2
60-02 Maspeth Avenue, Maspeth
rencharters.org

The Renaissance Charter School is a PreK-12 public school whose mission is to foster educated, responsible young leaders who through their own personal growth will spark a renaissance in New York.  Renaissance has been a leader in national progressive education through its example, outreach and collaboration for over 20 years.  As a leading charter school, Renaissance commits to serving as a strong model of public school reform.  Renaissance has a unique “three-tiered curriculum” consisting of core studies, experiential learning, and community involvement. 

The Renaissance Charter School 2, located in Community School District 24, is accepting applications for grades Kindergarten through 2nd grade. Like Renaissance, TRCS 2 provides a rigorous, innovative and progressive educational program that will help students become lifelong learners, global citizens and leaders in the renaissance of New York City.  TRCS 2 continually accepts applications for any available seats throughout the school year.  Applications for both schools are available through the NYC Charter School Center common application.

Valence Prep
32-20 108th St
East Elmhurst, NY 11369
646-854-8414
hello@valencecollegeprep.org
valencecollegeprep.org

Valence College Preparatory Charter School is a tuition-free 5th through 8th grade public charter school for the students of Queens. Valence equips all scholars with the academic skills, professional habits, and strength of character to graduate from college and lead lives of opportunity.

VOICE Charter School of NY
36-24 12th St., Long Island City
718-361-1694
voicecharterschool.org

VOICE Charter School is an elementary and middle school located in Long Island City. They combine rigorous academics with daily instruction in choral singing, encouraging creative and critical thinking while improving academic performance. Opened to NYC kindergarten and first grade students in September 2008 across two sites located two blocks apart, VOICE has added a full grade every school year and now serves students in grades K-8. The mission of VOICE Charter School of NY is to create a safe and healthy learning environment that will nurture, motivate, and challenge all of children to achieve the highest level of academic excellence and to develop into mindful, responsible, contributing participants in their education, their community, and the diverse society in which we live.

Bronx

AECI – NYC Charter High School for Architecture, Engineering & Construction Industries
838 Brook Avenue, Bronx NY
646-400-5566
aecicharterhs.org

AECI offers an academic program that provides students with a foundation of the necessary skills, knowledge and practical experience to pursue a path leading to college and/or a career in architecture, engineering or construction industries. The school’s offerings are focused on providing a rigorous college preparatory sequence of classes while also preparing students for success in industry-recognized exams. All students receive double periods of math and ELA in freshman year to prepare for long-lasting success. All staff members are tasked with developing the whole child by working together to ensure that all academic, emotional and social development is supported, cultivated and challenged.

American Dream Charter School – MS
510 E. 141st Street, 4th Floor, Bronx
718-585-3071

American Dream Charter School – HS
403 Concord Avenue, Bronx
718-924-2809
theamericandreamschool.org/apply

The American Dream  Charter School develops academic excellence in both Spanish and English for grades 6-12, preparing students to excel in college and become leaders in their communities. 

The school cultivates a welcoming, encouraging environment for English language learners and immigrant students in the South Bronx. Through their dual-language program, they strive to maintain the scholars’ native language and develop their English language skills as it is proven to accelerate language learning. They also strongly believe that through Project-Based Learning, their students are able to create projects that resemble real-life situations while hitting on the core standards required for success in high school, college and beyond. 

Now accepting applications for middle school and high school applicants, visit the website to learn more or Apply Now: theamericandreamschool.org/apply

Bold Charter School
1090 Close Ave, Bronx
929-506-4369
boldschools.org

Bold Charter School is a public charter school in the Bronx. In the 2021-22 school year the school will serve grades K-3, and will add one grade each year until serving grades K-12. Bold’s mission is to provide a world-class public education that equips all students with the academic and character foundation needed to succeed in college and serve as the next generation of leaders. Bold serves all students, including students who receive special education services or those who may need language support. Apply today for grades K-3 by visiting boldschools.org/apply or by calling 929.506.4369.

Brilla Public Charter Schools
Brilla College Prep Elementary 413 E 144th St., Bronx
Brilla College Prep Middle School 500 Courtlandt Ave, Bronx
Brilla Veritas 600 E 156th St., Bronx
Brilla Caritas & Brilla Pax 2336 Andrews Ave, Bronx
347-273-8439
brillaschools.org

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 collaborates with families. Join an upcoming Virtual Open House.  Now accepting applications for the 2021-22 school year.  Visit brillaschools.org/apply-to-brilla/ or Call today!

Bronx Academy of Promise Charter School
1349 Inwood Avenue, Bronx
718-293-6950
bronxacademyofpromise.com

Bronx Academy of Promise Charter School is a K-8 school with an emphasis on academic excellence, character development, and career education. The school has a community learning environment based on the belief that they are one family and each family member is an important piece in their puzzle. It is their mission to recognize the value of each student as an integral member of their school community. Teachers and staff are passionate about forming a strong, open partnership with families to ensure the best possible experience for each child. They get to know each student personally, so that they can meet each child’s individual academic and social-emotional needs. 

A variety of faculty-led committees meet to plan numerous events supporting the academic, emotional and social well-being of all the Bronx Academy of Promise family members to create a magical place in which to learn. Apply by April 9th at bronxacademyofpromise.com.

Capital Prep Bronx Charter School
755 Co Op City Blvd., Bronx, NY 10475
info@capitalprepbronx.org
capitalprepbronx.org

Founded by Dr. Steve Perry and Sean “Diddy” Combs, Capital Preparatory Schools’ mission is to provide historically disadvantaged students with the college and career readiness skills needed to become responsible and engaged citizens. Capital Prep Bronx Charter School is currently accepting applications for grades 6-8 for the 2021-2022 academic school year, then adding a grade each year to reach 12th grade by 2025. Capital Prep’s “Learner Expectations” model leans into students’ individual strengths with a Social Justice lens, resulting in a community of lifelong learners and leaders.

Equality Charter School
HS: 2141 Seward Avenue, Bronx
718-459-9597
MS: 4140 Hutchinson River Parkway East, Bronx
718-517-3169
equalitycharterschool.org

Equality Charter School was opened in 2009 by Founder Caitlin Franco. Equality has provided essential academic, social, and emotional support to middle school scholars in the Bronx; and in September 2014, they expanded their impact by opening a high school. They are currently working on plans for the next phase of Equality:  an expansion to elementary school. The future includes endless possibilities of what Equality can provide to the Co-Op City and Castle Hill communities in the Bronx. Currently accepting Fall 2021 applications for grades 6th-12th. Apply Here- equalitycharterschool.org/admissions/

International Leadership Charter High School
3030 Riverdale Avenue
Bronx, NY 10463
718-562-2300
ilchs.org

The International Leadership Charter High School is a high performing, academically rigorous college-prep located in the

 Riverdale/Kingsbridge Sector of the Bronx. It is a tuition-free institution that aims to prepare the young men and women of the Bronx not only for the demands of higher education, but also for leading productive and meaningful lives. The International Leaderships’ scholars represent some of the world’s future leaders.  Their vision over the past 15 years has been to change lives and transform communities, one scholar at a time. The school has been recognized by US News & World Report Best High School from 2013-2019 for student achievement outcomes, for graduation rates and performance on NYS Regents exams. The school offers a martial arts program designed to improve mental focus and concentration, and an inclusive learning environment which promotes high academic expectations for all. Go to their website to take a virtual tour of their impressive school.

Mott Hall Charter School
1260 Franklin Ave., Bronx, NY 10456
motthallcharterschool.org
Contact Jacky Frey at jfrey@motthallcs.org
585-451-8696 or 917-945-6024
To apply, go to motthallcharterschool.schoolmint.net

The mission of the Mott Hall Charter School is to prepare middle school scholars in mind, body, and character to succeed in top high schools, colleges, and careers by becoming inquisitive, open-minded, and compassionate citizens of the world. Mott Hall offers personalized learning, a one-on-one tech program using engaging online platforms to enhance instruction, provide After School Enrichment and Saturday programs, specialized support to all students, and offers English classes for ELL families. Anticipated fall 2021 reopening. Mott Hall is accepting applications for 6th, 7th, and 8th Grades for the 2020-21 school year.

Pharos Academy (K-12)
1001 Intervale Avenue. Bronx, NY
Elementary School: 646-915-0024
High School: 646-915-0030
pharosacademies.org/enroll

Pharos Academy is committed to educating Bronx kids. Like all children, they believe that Bronx kids are unique and can achieve at high levels when challenged and loved. They are committed as a school community to providing our students with an outstanding education anchored in inquiry, interesting problems, rigor, and fun. The school’s mission is to develop scholars who communicate well, are intellectually curious, and solve problems using different approaches. The school uses inquiry-based learning to deepen scholars’ connections to the world around them. They provide a community that helps scholars feel safe, valued, and comfortable as they grow.  Sign up to enroll your child today! pharosacademies.org/enroll

Rosalyn Yalow Charter School
650 Grand Concourse, Bronx NY
347-708-7446
yalowcharter.org/apply

Rosalyn Yalow Charter School is a non-profit K–5 public charter school located in the South Bronx. They provide a private school education as a public charter school, with low student/teacher ratios. Their curriculum emphasizes self-worth through their multiple avenues for achievement—chess, visual arts, singing, work with violins, and fencing. Their academics include literacy from the start, Singapore math, and inquiry-based science­­. They are excited about their new home – with all their grades in their new building now, they can closely coordinate teaching efforts for all their young students. And their new large auditorium and huge outdoor playground is sure to offer great joy to their students this year.

Urban Dove Team Charter Schools
UD Team II Bronx
671 Prospect Ave, Bronx
646-341-0079
urbandove.org

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 and an award-winning 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.

Eligible applicants are: 

• Graduating 8th graders who repeated a grade in middle school 
• 9th graders who have less than 8 credits 
• 10th graders and up who have less than 18 credits 
• All students must be 16 years old or younger at the time of acceptance

Visit urbandove.org to apply! 

Zeta Charter Schools
Zeta Inwood 1 – 652 West 187th Street, New York, NY
Zeta South Bronx – 425 Westchester Avenue, NY
Zeta Bronx Mount Eden – 1325 Jerome Avenue, NY
Zeta Bronx Tremont Park – 1910 Arthur Avenue, NY
zetaschools.org

Zeta Schools are high-performance, next-generation schools with an innovative, whole-child approach, preparing children for a modern world economy. Starting with a foundation of world-class academics, their complimentary 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 art, dance, chess, music, sports and Taekwondo. Now until April 1, Zeta is accepting applications for pre-K through 4th grade for the 2021-22 school year.

Westchester

Charter School of Education Excellence
260 Warburton Avenue, Yonkers NY 10701
charterschoolofeducationalexcellence.org
914-476-5070

The Charter School of Educational Excellence (CSEE) is a regional charter school open to students in grades k-12, that reside in Westchester, Rockland and Bronx counties. In partnership with parents, teachers and community, CSEE instills in students a passion for learning, to be critical thinkers, leaders and life long learners. Their curriculum fosters a healthy body and mind course of study that has been recognized by the NYS Department of Education as an “Exceptional School,” for its academic program. The students have excelled in athletic, competitive sports and have received scholarships to prestigious higher education institutions. They are currently accepting new student applications.