SUNY Trustees Vote to Approve Five New Charter Schools for NYC
Albany, NY – On Thursday, October 12th, the State University of New York (SUNY) Board of Trustees Charter Schools Committee, upon recommendation from the SUNY Charter Schools Institute, approved five updated applications for new charter schools seeking to open in New York City. Each of the five updated applications were previously approved in March 2019, however, there was an insufficient number of charters available to award at that time. In April 2023, the legislature allowed for 14 charters to be granted within the five boroughs, reusing the charters previously granted to charter schools that closed or were never opened.
“These were five strong applications for new charters when they were first approved back in 2019 and even stronger – and needed more today,” said Joseph Belluck, Chair, SUNY Trustees Charter Schools Committee. “Parents in these districts, some of which are within the most economically disadvantaged in NYC, are clamoring for a high-quality education option in their area and we’re confident these new schools will provide just that. These are applicants with a strong track record, that come from the communities they wish to serve and that have thoughtful plans to deliver innovative, rigorous academic programs to children and young adults that need them most.”
The five approved updated applications include:
Central Queens Academy Charter School II (CQA II) will open in August 2024 in Community School District (CSD) 24, serving 150 students in grades K-1 and growing to serve 1,000 students in grades K-8 during its first charter term. CQA II will replicate the highly effective instructional program operated at Central Queens Academy, which opened in CSD 24 in fall 2012. The school’s mission is to prepare students for success in education, the workforce, and the community through a school that integrates literacy, high standards-based academics, and culturally responsive support services.
Math, Engineering, and Science Academy Charter High School 2 (MESA 2) will open in August 2025 in CSD 20, serving 124 students in grade 9 and growing to serve 490 students in grades 9-12 in its first term. MESA 2 will replicate the highly effective instructional program operated at MESA, which opened in 2012 and is authorized by the New York State Board of Regents. The school’s mission is to provide a rigorous education that equips each student with the ability to succeed in college and in life. MESA 2 students will develop a passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and through a comprehensive college readiness program, develop critical thinking and self-advocacy.
Bedford Stuyvesant New Beginnings Charter School 2 will open in August 2024 in CSD 16, serving 162 students in grades K-1. The school will replicate the highly effective instructional program at Bedford Stuyvesant New Beginnings, which opened in September 2010 and is authorized by the NYC Department of Education Chancellor. At Bedford Stuyvesant New Beginnings 2, families, educators, and community members will join together to create a supportive and rigorous academic environment for all students. Through the pursuit of traditional coursework and project based and experiential learning, students will be prepared to succeed in higher education and careers and become responsible citizens of the global community.
Kwenda Collegiate Girls Charter School will open in August 2025 in CSD 22, serving 108 students in grades K-1 and growing to serve 324 students in grades K-5 in its first term. The school aims to provide a high quality all girls elementary school operation to residents of East Flatbush, Flatbush, and Flatlands neighborhoods of Brooklyn. Its mission is to educate young women in grades K-8 in an academically rigorous, structured, and supportive community that prepares all students to graduate from college with the courage to lead.
Haven Charter High School (HCHS) will open in August 2025 in CSD 8, serving 100 students in grade 9 and growing to serve 356 students in grades 9-12 in its first term. HCHS intends to partner with East Side House Settlement, a community based not-for-profit founded in 1891 that provides human services and educational programs to residents of South Bronx and Upper Manhattan. Its mission is to provide a Career and Technical Education program serving the Bronx. Students will benefit from a well-rounded, rigorous science, technology, engineering, and math education leading to a professional certification in the medical field. Through individualized planning and attention, graduates will have the academic skills necessary to be successful in college and careers, and the tools necessary to enter the workforce or enroll in college.
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SUNY Charter Schools Institute
The passage of the Charter Schools Act of 1998 granted the State University of New York (“SUNY”) the authority to grant charters for the purpose of organizing and operating public charter schools independent and autonomous of existing district schools. In 1999, the Board of Trustees at SUNY created the Charter Schools Institute to assist them in carrying out these responsibilities. For more than twenty years, the Institute’s oversight has served as a catalyst for charter school improvement and furthered SUNY’s leading role in strengthening public education across the State.