Applications open for 2026–27

The start they deserve

Apply now! Challenge is ranked in the Top 15 of K–12 charter schools in NYC, with a 98% graduation and college acceptance rate.

The only Kindergarten through Early College choice on the peninsula.

APPLY NOW

Hear from a

Challenge family why this is the

best school

in NYC.

Three Steps to Apply

  • Step 1 - Apply To Challenge

    Simply visit our SchoolMint application site to apply today to any of our Far Rockaway sites. The application process is easy and user-friendly.

  • Step 2 - Beat The Deadline

    You must apply by April 1 each year to be included in the Lottery for the following school year, however, we take applications year-round.

  • Step 3 - Attend Lottery Night

    In early April, we host our annual Lottery Night. That evening you will receive a seat or a place on our wait list. If a seat is granted, you have 3 business days to accept.

APPLY

Ask yourself
Are you teaching these at home?

✓ Time management and daily routines

✓ Managing emotions away from adults

✓ Forming friendships with peers

✓ Building relationships with other adults

“On the individual level, every day that a student was absent in kindergarten was predictive of a drop in their ELA and math scores in 3rd grade, a .014–.021 SD decrease in math and a .008–.015 SD reduction in ELA.”

EdWeek, citing a Delaware study of 50,000+ students

Give your child the start they deserve.

Kindergarten is where it begins, and it's your best chance for a seat at Challenge.

APPLY FOR 2026-27

What Our Scholars Are Saying

“Challenge is a beautiful school that welcomes everybody. It is a supportive and creative environment. No matter what obstacle comes our way, we work together and persevere. I love Challenge!”

— Riley, Challenge Scholar

“In six years of attending Challenge Charter, I have never failed to see support and representation in our school. This isn’t just a school to me, it’s my home and my family”

— Sarai, Challenge Scholar

Everything families ask us

  • Kindergarten through 12th Grade. Our High School also offers up to 2 years of free college.

    Your best chance for a seat is Kindergarten and Grade 1, with limited availability each year in Grades 2-12.

  • No, it is not necessary for current scholars to apply. However in Grade 5 and Grade 8, letters of Intent are sent out from Counselors and parents must reserve their child’s seat prior to the lottery for Rising 6th and Rising 9th graders.

  • No. Every child needs a separate application.

  • A child must be five (5) years old by December 31 to begin Kindergarten in the following year.

  • The application deadline is April 1 at 5:00PM via postmark OR online application. Applications are automatically waitlisted when received AFTER the April 1 deadline each year.

  • Admission is by a fair and random lottery. By NYS law, Challenge must give preference to the scholars living in the community school district #27. We also have a sibling policy where we give preference to siblings of current scholars, former scholars, and to ELLs (English Language Learners).

  • No. Challenge Charter School is a free public charter school.

  • No. Our schools are free public schools, so there is no tuition.

  • Yes. And we give preference to ELLs (English Language Learners).

  • If you applied last year and did not get in, please contact us at enrollment@challengecharterschools.org to see what options are available. Applications are automatically waitlisted when received AFTER the April 1 deadline each year.

  • Yes. We require an application for every student. You will receive sibling preference in our Lottery.

  • The date for the Challenge Charter School lottery is early in April each year after the April 1 deadline. If you applied, you will get an invitation to the lottery by this date. Please check your email and voicemail regularly for updates on wait list information.

  • Late applications are placed on the waiting list in the order received. This waiting list is used AFTER the lottery waiting list has been exhausted.

  • It is the policy of the Challenge Preparatory Charter School to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to actual or perceived race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity, national origin, alienage, citizenship status, age, marital status, partnership status, disability, sexual orientation, gender (sex), military status, unemployment status, prior record of arrest or conviction (except as permitted by law) predisposing genetic characteristics, or status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual offenses and stalking, and to maintain an environment free of harassment on any of the above-noted grounds, including sexual harassment or retaliation.

    It is the policy of the Challenge Preparatory Charter School to provide equal educational opportunities without regard to actual or perceived race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity, national origin, alienage, citizenship status, disability, sexual orientation, gender (sex) or weight and to maintain an environment free of harassment on the basis of any of these grounds, including sexual harassment or retaliation.

    This policy is in accordance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, Section 503 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1974, Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Civil Rights Act of 1991, New York State and City Human Rights Laws.