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You can get information and make complaints about charter schools, teachers, principals, and other staff members. Complaints about crossing guards and school safety staff are handled by the New York Police Department (NYPD).

Charter schools are public schools that are managed by a not-for-profit board of trustees that may include educators, community members, and leaders from the private sector. They operate with freedom from many regulations that apply to traditional public schools.

Charter schools do not have to follow the public school calendar or DOE's school closure policy for severe weather or emergencies. You should contact your child's school directly for that information.

Learn more about charter schools.

Call 311 for assistance by phone.

Admission is open to all New York City students by application and lottery, with priority given to children who live in the Community School District where the school is located and to siblings of students currently attending the school.

Under the law, charter schools must have a fair and open admissions process. They must do outreach and recruitment in all parts of the community they serve. If there are more applicants than available seats, many charters use a lottery to randomly pick which students to accept. Many charter schools also have waiting lists.

For school transportation, charter schools are considered non-public schools. Students can take school buses if they live outside the district but in the same borough as the school.

All other terms and conditions for pupil transportation apply.

Charter Schools

Charter School Admission Policies

Transportation for Charter School Students