New York State Technical and Education Assistance Center for Homeless Students

Students who transfer schools often do worse in school than those who don't transfer. The McKinney-Vento Act can help solve this problem by allowing students to stay in the same school and get free transportation.

Search

FAQs: Charter Schools

A charter school is a public school that operates with freedom from many of the regulations that apply to traditional public schools, granting administrators, faculty and staff autonomy in the education of its students. The "charter" that establishes each school is a contract detailing the school's mission, program, goals, students served, and methods of assessment. If charter schools do not meet the academic performance and operational goals listed in their charter, they risk having their charter revoked.

Are charter schools considered school districts?

A charter school is a public school by statute, but it is not a school district. However, charter schools are considered to be Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) for the purposes of the McKinney-Vento Act.

Do students attend charter schools on a tuition-free basis?

Yes.

Must a charter school designate a LEA liaison?

Yes. The New York State Education Department has concluded that state charter schools are LEAs under the McKinney-Vento Act; therefore, state charter schools must comply with the provisions of the McKinney-Vento Act, including designating a LEA liaison.

Are Title I state charter schools required to do Title I set-asides?

No. Charter schools are not mandated to set aside Title I funds for students who are homeless; however, such the school may opt to set aside additional funds to serve homeless children and youth.

Are charter schools eligible to receive McKinney-Vento sub-grant funding?

State charter schools are considered an LEA and are therefore eligible to receive McKinney-Vento sub-grant funding. Local charter schools (i.e. charter schools that have entered into an agreement with the local school district rather than the state) are not eligible to receive McKinney-Vento sub-grant funding.

back to top