Facilities

In 2003, the New York City Department of Education opened district facilities up to charter schools for the first time ever. While a majority of New York charter schools are currently co-located with district schools in public facilities, many charters have to divert operating dollars to pay for private facilities. In 2014, state law changed how New York City charter schools are provided with facilities, including a new opportunity for rental assistance.

NYC Charters Have Access to Facilities

On April 1, 2014, New York State lawmakers approved a package of legislation that changed how New York City charter schools are provided with facilities. These laws allow new or expanding charter schools to request space in city-owned buildings through a process called co-location (two or more public schools sharing space in one building). If the city determines that space is not available in the district where the charter school will be operating, it must provide rental assistance for the school to pay for a private facility.

Facilities Access Guide >>

Resources

This Fact Sheet explains how co-location works in NYC and offers guidance on how charters can access facilities or facilities funding.

While New York lawmakers recently authorized the first-ever public funding for charter schools’ ongoing facility costs, not every school is eligible. This report details the remaining inequalities.

This television commercial was featured during a campaign to dispel myths about charter school co-locations.

This 2013 report provided the first comprehensive survey of charter school facilities in New York.