Charter Schools Boost Performance of Nearby Schools

Study: NYC public schools in close proximity to charters see increased test scores

Anti-school choice activists often argue that charter school expansion hurts existing schools, but a new study of New York City schools found that new charter schools are increasing the performance of schools around them.

The peer-reviewed statistical analysis, conducted by Temple University professor Sarah Cordes, indicates charter schools are not only helping the students enrolled, but also students at schools that feel pressured to increase performance due to their close proximity to a new charter school.

The study found that schools located within half a mile of a new charter school saw increased scores in both math and reading, and the increase become more significant the closer the schools were. The impact was felt most in situations where a charter school opened inside the same building as an existing school.

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