As a parent with school-aged children, you have many options to educate your children in NYC. You may have heard of different types of schools as well: Public, Private, and Charter. As you consider your options, you should know the difference between these types. At Classical Charter Schools, we believe that we provide the best education possible for every scholar, and we have been consistently ranked at a top NYC Elementary and Middle School.
What Is The Difference Between a Public School and a Charter School?
A public school is a publicly funded, tuition-free educational institution that children are automatically allowed to go to, based on the zone in which they live. Charter schools are also publicly funded, tuition free institutions, but charters are not part of a public school district. This allows Charter Schools greater flexibility in terms of curriculum and structure as they do not have to follow district approved curriculum. This allows for greater ability to meet students and families where they are.
How Is the Funding Between Public and Charter Schools Different?
Charter schools are funded mostly through per pupil funding that are collected through state and local taxes. 100% of public-school funds come from these taxes. 90% of Charter School funding comes from these taxes in addition to grants, private donors, and limited federal funds.
Why Does That Difference Matter?
The difference in structure and curriculum has led, in Classical’s case, to vastly different results for scholars on average. For the 2025 round of testing, students in the district, at schools in the same geographical location as Classical, achieved a 31% pass rate, whereas students at Classical achieved a 96% pass rate, and, in Math, students in the district achieved a 30% pass rate on the State Tests, whereas students at Classical achieved a 98% pass rate. These tests represent a scholar’s mastery of the abilities in each grade. These children from the same neighborhood are receiving vastly different educations because of the flexibility that our identity as a Charter school provides.
How Do You Start the Process of Enrolling in a Charter School?
Charter schools must admit all students. Different charter schools open their application at different times of year, and, if more apply than there are seats, then students are chosen by a lottery to attend the charter school. Our application is always open and can be found here. Further, we have four convenient locations already operating throughout the South Bronx and a further location (School V), opening in Fall of 2026. We would love for you to join our network of successful schools and become a part of a top NYC Charter School!