On average, 12 new charter schools open in New York City a year, according to the New York City Charter School Center. Here’s a look at five such schools the state recently approved and issued charters, slated to open in fall 2017.
IN THE CLASSIC TRADITION
Brilla College Preparatory Charter School Veritas
District 7 in the Bronx
Website: Brillacollegeprep.org
Brilla College Prep follows the classical tradition and encourages its students to “‘B’ brilliant,” “‘B’ involved,” “‘B’ creative,” “ ‘B’ yourself” and “‘B’ engaged.” This second branch of the Bronx charter school network is accepting applications for kindergarten and will eventually serve grades K-4 in the South Bronx.
A TECH-FORWARD HIGH SCHOOL
Brooklyn Lab Charter High School
District 13 in Brooklyn
Website: Brooklynlabhighschool.org
The first high school for the Brooklyn Lab network is opening in Downtown Brooklyn. Each student will receive a free Google Chromebook at the tech-forward school, which is accepting applications for ninth grade and will eventually serve grades 9-12.
A DUAL-LANGUAGE CLASSROOM
Hebrew Language Academy Charter School 2
District 21 in Brooklyn
Website: Hlacharterschool2.org
This dual-language school will provide instruction in both English and Hebrew in select subjects such as art, music and social studies, through a co-teaching model that involves English- and Hebrew-speaking instructors. The school’s curriculum will also explore the culture and history of Israel and its immigrant communities. It is accepting applications for grades K-1 and will eventually serve grades K-5.
COLLEGE PREP STARTS HERE
South Bronx Classical Charter School IV
District 9 in the Bronx
Website: Classicalcharterschools.org
The fourth branch of the South Bronx network, which prepares students to excel in college preparatory high schools, is slated to open in the Morrisania area. The school is known for its classical curriculum, which introduces students to Latin starting in the third grade. It is accepting applications for grades K-1, and it will expand one grade each year through 2020.
NYC’S FIRST ORCHESTRA MUSIC CHARTER
WHIN Music Community Charter School
District 6 in Manhattan
Website: Whinmusic.org
WHIN, which stands for Washington Heights and Inwood, is a novelty for NYC: It’s the first orchestra music charter school in the city. Its music-based educational model is inspired by The Conservatory Lab Charter School in Boston. The school will provide orchestra and choral programs in-school, after-school and on weekends. WHIN is accepting applications for grades K-1, and plans to eventually grow to the fifth grade.
