Charter Schools Law
Article 56
Last Reviewed May 2013
Authorized by Article 56, The New York State Charter Schools Act of 1998, charter schools are independent public schools that operate under five year charters. A charter school is free to organize around a core mission, curriculum, theme, or innovative teaching model. A charter school controls its own budget and employs its own teachers and staff. In return for this freedom, a charter school must demonstrate success within five years or risk losing a subsequent five year renewal of its charter.
New York State amended its charter school legislation in 2007 and 2010 ( by Chapters 101, 102, and 221 of the Laws of 2010) and most recently in 2012 (by Charter 275 of the Laws of 2012). The current version of Article 56 incorporating all amendments is available below or directly from the New York State Legislature’s webpage at http://public.leginfo.state.ny.us 
under “Laws of New York/Education/Article 56.
2851. Eligible applicants; applications; submission.
2852. Issuance of charter.
2853. Charter school organization; oversight; facilities.
2854. General requirements.
2855. Causes for revocation or termination.
2856. Financing of charter schools.
2857. Notice; review and assessment.