Charter schools in New York are publicly funded schools that operate independently of the traditional school district system. They are established through a charter, which is a performance contract detailing the school’s mission, program, and accountability measures. These schools aim to provide innovative educational options and often have more flexibility in their curriculum and teaching methods. In New York, charter schools are overseen by various authorizers, including the New York State Board of Regents and the New York City Department of Education. They are required to meet specific academic and operational standards, and they are held accountable for student performance. Parents can choose to enroll their children in these schools, which often have waiting lists due to high demand.