Rally for Educational Choices on Brooklyn Bridge
On Thursday, a large group of parents and students from over 200 charter schools will take to the Brooklyn Bridge to advocate for educational choices and what they describe as “excellence” for families in New York City.
Among the participants are prominent charter school networks like the Eva Moskowitz Success Academy, Ascend, Democratic Prep, KIPP Academy, and others representing various communities including Zetas, Black, Latinx, and Asian groups.
“Every child deserves a quality education as a civil right. Students and parents should be able to choose what works best for them,” stated Bishop Raymond Ribera, who founded the Family Life Academy Charter School Network.
“That’s the essence of what charter schools bring to the table.”
At present, there are 286 charter schools serving over 150,000 students, accounting for nearly 15% of the city’s publicly funded education system, according to the NYC Charter School Center.
Interestingly, charter schools are publicly funded yet managed privately by nonprofit organizations. Many of them operate without unionized staff and offer longer school days compared to traditional public schools.
While the rally isn’t officially a political event, it comes just as the mayoral campaign enters its final phase. The leading Democratic candidate, Zohran Mamdani, has been vocal against expanding charter schools. Organizers mentioned that he wasn’t invited to speak and has chosen to stay away, while his Republican opponent, Curtis Swa, plans on attending to show support.
Overall, students at charter schools typically perform better on state-standardized tests, especially in lower-income areas like the South Bronx. However, the Democratic-led state legislature has resisted increasing the limits for opening new charter schools in the city, despite significant backing from parents. Opponents—chiefly the teachers’ union—argue that charter schools divert taxpayer funds from traditional public schools.
Interestingly, charter school supporters previously rallied in October 2013, protesting against former Mayor Bill de Blasio’s policies, which made it necessary for charter schools to pay rent to operate in city buildings.
