Home »
New York School Choice
New York school choice includes public charter schools, magnet schools, vocational-technical centers, and open enrollment. However, the state does not fund private school tuition—there are no voucher programs, Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), or tax-credit scholarships available.
Program Types & Funding Mechanism
- Public School Options
- Charter Schools: Authorized under the 1998 New York Charter Schools Act, charter schools operate statewide under authorizers like SUNY and the Board of Regents. New York City alone has over 280 charter schools serving a sizable student population.
- Open Enrollment: Students may apply to attend public schools outside their home district, depending on district policies and seat availability.
- Magnet Schools: Public schools with specialized themes—such as STEM, arts, or language—accept students across district boundaries.
- Vocational–Technical Schools (CTE): Regional career and technical education centers provide industry-focused training to high school students, funded through public sources.
- Private School Funding
New York does not allocate public funds for private school tuition. It has no vouchers, ESAs, or tax-credit scholarships; families must fund private education on their own.
Legislative & Historical Context
New York authorized charter schools in 1998 through the Charter Schools Act. These schools are publicly funded yet independently operated and account for roughly 15% of public school enrollment in New York City. Despite occasional legislative proposals, the state has not adopted any programs to publicly fund private school tuition. As a result, all private education remains funded by families rather than through public dollars.