NYC charter schools have been shaping students’ lives for 25 years, we celebrate charter school leaders, teachers, students and alumni

“You can’t get ‘one size fits all’ and think that every child is going to be successful. That’s why the charter school movement is so important here in New York City.”

Geoffrey Canada
President, Harlem Children’s Zone & Promise Academy Charter Schools

“My school not only prepared me for college; it prepared me for the real world.”

Charter schools prepare students for college and careers. After 20 years in New York City, charter schools have supported student success from kindergarten through high school graduation. Hear how Eyana, Lamont, and Elisa’s charter school experiences played key roles in their developing stories.

I'm a STEM teacher in Brooklyn and I'm NYC Charter Schools

Eyana Walker, Achievement First Charter School Alumna

I'm a college graduate from SUNY and I'm NYC Charter Schools

Lamont Sadler, Uncommon Charter School Alumni

I'm a college student in Queens and I'm NYC Charter Schools

Elisa Castillo, Mesa Alumna

For the last 15 years, approximately 80% of the students served in NYC charter schools are economically disadvantaged—higher than the citywide average of district schools (72%).

“We will do anything necessary to make sure a student learns.”

Over 9,000 charter school teachers impact NYC students every day. Meet some of the teachers committed to giving students every opportunity to learn and hear how schools equip, develop and support teachers along the way.

I’m a teacher in The Bronx

PRISCILLA STEWART, KIPP ACADEMY MIDDLE SCHOOL

I’m a teacher in upper Manhattan

RENEE EDWARDS, FAMILY LIFEACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL

I’m a teacher in Brooklyn

CRYSTAL LANE, ASCEND BROOKLYN MIDDLE SCHOOL

I’m a teacher in Harlem

RACHELLE CAIAZZO, NEIGHBORHOOD CHARTER SCHOOL

Supporting students and creating community: 25 years of charter schools in NYC

AMNY, By Mariela Meza
Twenty-five years ago, despite fierce opposition, lawmakers in Albany passed the New York State Charter Schools Act, giving parents a choice in where to send their kids to school by allowing public charter schools to open.

“District-charter collaboration is one of the most uniquely powerful opportunities that I’ve had as an educator.”

NYC charter and district schools work together to provide quality educational options for the children in their communities. Learn more about NYCDOE’s District-Charter Partnerships.

I’m an educator in Manhattan and I’m NYC Charter Schools

CRYSTAL MCQUEEN-TAYLOR, REGIONAL SENIOR DIRECTOR, UNCOMMON SCHOOLS

I’m an educator in Manhattan and I’m NYC Charter Schools

MICHAEL STOLL, DIRECTOR, DISTRICT CHARTER COLLABORATIVE

I’m an educator in Manhattan and I’m NYC Charter Schools

DAFINA WESTBROOKS, DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION, BROOME STREET ACADEMY