On Oct. 23 & 24, 2024, the New York Charter Schools Association (NYCSA) hosted its annual New York Charter Schools Conference in the heart of New York City at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square. The annual convening brought together nearly 600 attendees involved in the charter sector from across New York State and the country.

The New York Charter Schools Conference aims to connect professionals across industries for networking and to educate attendees on current issues affecting the charter school landscape. The conference also serves as a place for attendees to network with other charter leaders, teachers, industry experts and elected officials.

During the conference’s opening ceremony, NYCSA’s Executive Director Fatimah Barker presented Michelle Haynes, the leader of New York’s very first public charter school to open, the Sisulu-Walker Charter School of Harlem, an award from The Association in celebration of the school’s 25th anniversary, which took place this past September. Barker also presented proclamations to the school from New York State Senator Cordell Cleare and Assemblymember Inez. E Dickens.

The opening ceremony also welcomed a group of talented students from the Washington Heights and Inwood Music Community Charter School, otherwise known as WHIN, who performed two exceptional musical numbers for attendees.

Some highlights of the conference included local public charter school tours, sessions on the ever-growing enrollment crisis public schools across the country have been facing, how to incorporate AI into classrooms in an effective way and an outstanding closing keynote panel with New York City charter school alumni who shared their perspectives and experiences.

The event also welcomed a number of local elected officials, including New York State Assemblymember Landon C. Dais, who spoke during the event kickoff. Other notable elected officials who attended the conference include charter advocates State Senator Luis Sepulveda and Assemblymembers Amanda Septimo and Brian Cunningham.

Thank you to everyone who attended this year’s event and contributed to an exciting and successful two days of education, networking and fun. We look forward to seeing you all again next October in Rochester, NY!