Charter schools are publicly funded but independently run, and many admit students by lottery. Their quality, programmes and results vary widely, so read each school’s report and talk to parents before you apply.
Brooklyn has a long tradition of independent schools, including Packer Collegiate Institute, Poly Prep, Saint Ann’s School, Berkeley Carroll and Brooklyn Friends, as well as a large network of Catholic schools and Jewish day schools and yeshivas. Tuition, scholarships and admissions requirements differ, and many schools hold open days in the autumn.
Language, arts and special-interest programmes are also offered by community organisations and after-school providers, often at lower cost, and many public libraries run homework help and free workshops.