This fall 24 charter schools are expected to open across New York City, bringing the total number of city charter schools to more than 100. Although classes don't begin until next August or September, parents must submit an application by April 1. If schools receive more applications than there are places available - and they almost always do - they must hold lotteries to select their students.

Some schools belong to existing charter school networks; others are organized around specific themes. A few are single sex. Many schools promote uniforms and a back-to- basics curriculum, while others say they will use more progressive teaching approaches. Most of the new schools still don't know where they will be located although the majority will be in Brooklyn.

Here's a rundown on what Insideschools.org has learned about the new schools.

Established school networks

Many of the new charter schools are joining established networks of schools that share a similar philosophy and academic model.

Three other schools based on existing models in New York include the first siblings of Brooklyn Ascend Charter School in Brownsville, Explore Charter School in Flatbush and the single-sex, Girls Preparatory Charter School on the Lower East Side.

  • Brownsville Ascend Charter School will open with kindergarten and 1st grade students, and ultimately serve students in grades K-12.
  • Also in Brooklyn, Explore Charter School 2 will open with kindergartners, first- and second-graders, and serve grades K- 8.
  • Girls Prep 2 will enroll girls for kindergarten and 1st grade in the Bronx, and plans to expand to the 8th grade.

Themed schools

A few of the charters stand out for their themes.

  • The Hebrew Language Academy will concentrate on Hebrew language and culture.
  • The Ethical Community Charter School (TECCS) promises students a strong ethics curriculum that will promote community service and social justice.
  • Growing Up Green, the only new charter in Queens, will infuse environmentally-friendly thinking into all aspects of instruction.
  • Academic Leadership, a K-5 school, plans to teach "character education and develop ethical and responsible citizens," according to its charter application.

Secondary schools

Among this year's crop of schools, secondary schools that span middle and high school grades are a popular model.

  • Two 6-12 schools will be located in District 15: Summit Academy in Red Hook and Brooklyn Prospect in Sunset Park. Brooklyn Prospect will follow the International Baccalaureate diploma program, while Summit Academy will concentrate on improving students' basic skills with 100 minutes each of English and math daily.
  • The first charter in South Brooklyn, Coney Island Prep, is a 5-12 school.
  • In Flatbush, Fahari Academy focuses on the basics, and will offer its students an increasingly progressive approach to learning as they grow and mature from grade 5 through 12.
  • Equality Charter School is a 6-12 charter in the Bronx.
  • The Equity Project Charter School in Washington Heights will test whether high teacher salaries improve student performance. Teachers earn a $125,000 annual salary with the potential to gain additional yearly bonuses.

High schools

In addition to KIPP and Achievement First, the Believe High School Network is also starting two charter high schools this fall. Believe North Side Charter High School and Believe South Side Charter High School will open in the same building in Williamsburg.

How to apply

Anybody living in New York may apply to a charter school but priority in admissions is given to students living in the district where the school is located. A few schools also reserve seats for students who are at risk of failing. To get an application, call the school or check its website. You may be able to download the application online, or you may have to go to an open house to pick one up. Either way, schools must consider any applications received by April 1. Many charter schools are hosting information sessions. Check the schools' websites for updated information.

See our charter school primer for more information about charter schools.