NYC Charter Schools’ Impressive Growth Continues
New Data Shows that NYC Public Charters Now Enroll More Than 150,000 Students & Represent More Than 16% Of K-12 Public School Students
New York, NY – The recently released 2025-26 New York State Education Department (NYSED) enrollment data shows that New York City charter school enrollment grew 2.3% over the past school year, continuing a decade-long trend of sustained growth. Charter enrollment has increased by an impressive 18% since 2019-20.
“New York City families are increasingly choosing charter schools because they trust their children will receive a top-tier education that sets them up for lifelong success,” said James Merriman, CEO of the New York City Charter Center. “Charter schools represent the single greatest educational intervention in decades, and for 30 years, their teachers, staff, and school leaders have set the standard for excellence. Families know they can count on New York City charter schools to provide their children the tools they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom.”
2025-26 enrollment highlights include:
- Charter school enrollment grew by 2.3% from school year 2024-25 to 2025-26, continuing a decade-long trend of sustained growth.
- Charter schools now enroll over 150,000 students – and represent over 16% of all K-12 public school students in NYC.
- Citywide, nearly 31% of Black students in NYC schools (K to 12) are enrolled in a charter school.
- 11% of charter school students are English language learners (ELLs).
- Nearly 90% of charter school students are Black or Hispanic.
- Charter school enrollment for grades K to 12 has increased by 18% (22,500 students) since the 2019-20 school year.
