Charter Schools Excel in NYC’s Most Disadvantaged Areas

In parts of New York City where traditional public schools struggle, charter schools are achieving remarkable results. Data shows that students attending charter schools in the Bronx outperform their public school peers significantly on state K-8 reading and math exams.

Specifically, 68.6% of students at all 99 Bronx charter schools passed reading exams for grades 3 to 8, compared to 43.6% in traditional public schools—a 25-point margin. In math, the difference was nearly 26 points, with 69.2% of charter students passing versus 43.3% in district schools.

High-performing charter schools have excelled, with many students achieving passing rates of over 90% in core subjects. For instance, at four South Bronx Classical Charter schools, over 95% of students passed English and math exams.

Overall, citywide analysis indicates that charter schools lead district schools by 11 points in performance, especially in the Bronx. Unlike some public schools, many charters provide a culture of high expectations, accountability, and academic rigor, which are critical for students from low-income backgrounds.

Numerous smaller charter schools focus on serving specialized populations, including dual-language learners and children with autism or other needs, offering tailored educational environments that traditional schools often lack.

Despite their achievements, charter schools face obstacles. They are often shut down quickly when they underperform, yet poorly performing traditional public schools persist year after year. Citywide, approximately 15% of public school students—about 150,000 kids—attend charters, with the majority being Black or Latino and from low-income families.

Teachers unions frequently oppose expanding charters, using their influence to keep caps in place and limit funding, despite the sector’s success in providing opportunities where public schools fall short. Some policymakers and local leaders have promised to restrict or even remove charter schools’ access to facilities and resources.

As discussions about affordability and opportunity continue, it’s vital to recognize that charter schools offer hope and educational excellence to New York City’s most vulnerable communities.

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