This year, The Pataki Center is celebrating the 25th anniversary of charter schools in New York.

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In 1998, as Governor of New York, Governor Pataki signed the Charter School Act into law,
giving parents and students a choice in their education and creating an environment that fosters
innovation, competition, and excellence. Today, NYS has over 300 charter schools throughout the state,
providing quality education to over 140,000 students.

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At a time where New York State lawmakers are blocking the expansion of more charter schools, it is
imperative that we build off the progress of the Pataki administration's NYS Charter Schools Act.

 

Very often, NYC charter schools continually outperform public schools, even while spending less than half the costto educate each student. When the expansion of charter schools is stifled by elected officials, students arerobbed of more opportunities to grow. It is a disgrace that still so many students are left without access to
better schooling options.

 

As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, I hope you will consider making a donation to help our Center fund efforts to end the NYS legislature’s attack on charter schools. Your support will help us promote and fund charter schools in New York, to ensure that every child has access to the education they deserve.

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To commemorate the law's 25th anniversary, the New York Charter Schools Association honored Governor Pataki at their celebration. Please see below for photos from the event. 

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We are reminded of what can be achieved for students when educators, parents, and community leaders
work together to expand school choice opportunities across our country. Governor Pataki is proud to have signed this legislation in New York State and the Pataki Center will continue to advocate for school choice and student excellence. 

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