This booklet is for families of children entering a new K-12 school in 2020-21.
Students who are currently enrolled in a charter school and plan to continue at that school in
2020-21 do not need to reapply.
Table of Contents
4 Academy of Health Sciences
Charter School
5 Discovery Charter School
6 Eugenio Maria de Hostos
Charter School
7 Exploration Elementary Charter School
for Science & Technology
8 Genesee Community Charter School
9 Renaissance Academy
Charter School of the Arts
10 Rochester Academy Charter School
11 Rochester Prep Charter Schools
12 University Preparatory
Charter School for Young Men
13 Urban Choice Charter School
14 Vertus High School
15 Young Women’s College Prep
Charter School
Charter Schools Give Families a Choice
K-12 school that best suits their child’s needs from among
Rochester’s top performing schools. Rochester charters give city
families education options—with 21 campus locations, charters
What is a Charter School?
Charter schools are public schools of choice, meaning that families
and more freedom to innovate, in return for greater accountability.
Charter schools are accountable for academic results and for
upholding the promises made in their charters. They must
demonstrate performance in the areas of academic achievement,
Charters are free and serve all students, including those with
special needs and English language learners.
More than 6,000 children attend Rochester charters and families
have 21 area locations to choose from.
Students receive busing through their home district. In most
cases, students who are eligible for district busing are transported
by yellow bus. Some charter high schools use RTS services. Most
charter schools provide busing even for students who live within
1.5 miles of the school location.
Each charter school has its own mission and approach. Some
students work at their own pace.
classroom experiences and allows students and families more
Charter schools are free public schools, but are not district schools.
Charter schools have their own individual school dress code policies,
many of which include uniforms. Many schools provide discounts
for uniforms and some provide free shirts to new students.
Preparation for Career and College
Charter schools prepare students for the next stage of life. Whether
that’s college or a trade, students are provided with the tools and
educational experiences that will help them after graduation.
Students who wished to pursue an education beyond high school
are guided through the college application process. Most Rochester
charter schools have a 90% or more college acceptance rate, but
students make a variety of choices—including entering trades or
the general workforce, military careers and other training.
Rochester families have public school options