New Jersey charter schools

New Jersey charter schools total 87, which serve 57,200 students. In addition, there are 10-20 magnet schools and 3 renaissance schools in New Jersey.

There are five characteristics of NJ charter schools:

• must be approved by the New Jersey Commissioner of Education (NJDOE) for an initial 4-year period, after which their performance is reviewed and renewals are for 5 years
• must be open to all students
• must be tuition-free (public funds pay for the school)
• must be non-profit and governed by an independent board of trustees
• must comply with all state laws, including teacher certification, student testing, and academic curriculum

There are massive waiting lists for NJ charter schools:

• Newark: 10,200
• Jersey City: 4,650
• Paterson: 4,645
• Camden: 2,370
• Trenton: 1,940

Statutory authorization

• N.J. Stat. Ann. § 18A:36A-1 et seq.
• N.J. Stat. Ann. § 18A:36A-17

See also

• New Jersey Public Charter Schools Association