A new Embold Research poll commissioned by the New Jersey Public Charter Schools Association (NJPCSA) shows that Newark parents strongly support charter schools in the Brick City. By more than a 5 to 1 margin, 76% of Newark parents support public charter schools in New Jersey compared to just 15% who oppose charter schools.

“Public charter schools in Newark are among the best in the nation,” said Harry Lee, President and CEO of NJPCSA. “The poll clearly demonstrates that students are thriving in Newark’s charter schools and that we need more great public charter school options to meet the needs of the community.”

Poll highlights include:

• 88% of Newark voters believe it is important for parents to be able to choose a public school other than their assigned district school in order to meet their child’s needs.
• Black and Latino voters in Newark support public charter schools by a 3 to 1 margin.
• More than two-thirds of Newark voters (67%) support charter schools as a free, public school option for all students, regardless of background or ability.

Newark voters had among the strongest support for public charter schools of New Jersey’s major cities, with top education priorities including teacher training and school climate and safety. These are areas where Newark’s nationally-ranked charter schools have been shown to excel due to their unique flexibility and accountability to family and student needs.

“Being a charter school parent in Newark has allowed my children and I to be beneficiaries of competitively rigorous academic experiences and opportunities,” said Ryan Foster, who currently has children attending Discovery Charter School and Gateway Academy High School. “This survey provides evidence of charter success through collaboration between families, highly trained teachers and school support staff. I believe that the mission-focused nature of charter schools provide the students of Newark an opportunity to attend a school that challenges them personally, socially, and academically.”