Introduction
Overview
Jersey City charter schools are tuition-free public schools and are open to a broad range of students. Eligibility is determined by New Jersey charter school law and individual school enrollment policies.
General Eligibility
- Residency: Students must be residents of Jersey City at the time of enrollment. Proof of residency is typically required after a seat is offered.
- Grade eligibility: Students must meet the age and grade requirements for the school and entry grade they are applying to.
- Public school status: Charter schools are public schools — families do not need to leave the public system or pay tuition to apply.
Admissions & Lotteries
- No screening: Students are not evaluated on academic ability, test scores, behavior, language proficiency, or special education status.
- Random lotteries: When applications exceed seats, schools run a public lotteryto determine placement.
- Allowed priorities:
- Siblings of currently enrolled students
- Children of school staff (where policies allow)
- Returning students for non-entry grades
- Waitlists move as openings appear: Students not chosen in the lottery stay on a waitlist that schools call from during the year.
Special Education & Language Services
- IEP welcome: Every charter must enroll and serve students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
- Language support: English Language Learners receive services similar to district schools; ask how each campus delivers them.
- Legal compliance: Schools must follow federal/state special education and student service laws just like traditional public schools.
Important Notes for Families
- Apply school by school: Each charter runs its own application, so submit separate forms if you’re applying to multiple campuses.
- Deadlines are firm: Missing the lottery window usually places you directly on the waitlist.
- Keep options open: Accepting a seat doesn’t remove you from other waitlists—families can stay on multiple lists.
Tip: Families are encouraged to apply to multiple charter schools to increase the chance of receiving an offer, especially for high-demand entry grades like Kindergarten.
Schools
BelovED Community Charter School’s mission is to develop students’ values, skills, knowledge, confidence, and character so they care about others, succeed in school/college/careers, and live a socially contributory life—rooted in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Beloved Community” vision.
Best fit for
Families who want a values-driven school with an extended day, robust aftercare, and free busing across Jersey City—plus strong academics and character development.
Address: 508 Grand Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302
School emphasis
- Values + character development protocols explicitly rooted in Dr. King’s “Beloved Community” concept.
- Emphasizes a caring school climate alongside a data-driven instructional approach.
- Publicly shares NJDOE assessment-based performance comparisons and framing around demographic equity.
- Highlights statewide recognition/rankings (as reported by the school).
Extracurriculars & enrichment
Elementary
Grades: K–5
Clubs: LEGO Engineering, Little Creatives, Bambino Chef, Chess, Acting Workshop
Music: Intro to Guitar
Middle School
Grades: 6–8
Clubs: Student Council, Chess, Yearbook, Dance Team, Girls Who Code, Acting Workshop
Music: Intro to Guitar
High School
Grades: 9–12
Clubs: National Honor Society, Key Club, Pride Alliance, Girls Who Code, Yearbook, Student Government, Athletics (varies by season)
BelovED explicitly lists grade-appropriate clubs across elementary, middle, and high school; offerings may vary by year. (belovedccs.org)
Admissions process & key dates
- Applications for SY 2026–2027 are open; apply by January 15, 2026 to participate in the lottery.
- Lottery timing is described as being held in January (the school may publish the exact day/time separately).
Logistical details
- School hours
- Extended school day
- Lower grades: approximately 8:00 AM – 3:45 PM
- High school: approximately 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
- Before / after care
- Aftercare available for K–8 until approximately 5:20 PM
- Bus service
- Yes — free bus transportation provided
- Busing available from neighborhoods across Jersey City (designated stops and rules apply)
Sources
Empowerment Academy Charter School is a public charter school in Jersey City focused on strong academic foundations, measurable student growth, and community-centered education. The school’s mission emphasizes empowering students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to succeed academically while fostering a supportive and inclusive school environment.
Best fit for
Families looking for a K–12 pathway across multiple campuses with a strong focus on academic growth, school culture, and optional transportation and care supports.
Address: 240 Ege Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07304
School emphasis
- Strong emphasis on academic achievement and measurable student growth, with a focus on building solid foundations in core subjects.
- Operates across multiple campuses to support students through elementary, middle, and high school within a single charter network.
- Positions itself as a community-based neighborhood school, serving a diverse student population across Jersey City.
- Focuses on student empowerment—building confidence, responsibility, and ownership of learning alongside academics.
Campuses (tap to view locations)
| Grades | Address |
|---|---|
| K–4 | 240 Ege Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07304 |
| 5–8 | 211 Sherman Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07307 |
| 9–12 | 70 Claremont Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07305 |
Extracurriculars & enrichment
School Wide
Grades: K–12
Empowerment Academy does not publish a detailed extracurricular list or grade-level breakdown; offerings vary by campus and year. (empacad.org)
Admissions process & key dates
- Lottery-eligible applications for the 2026–2027 school year are accepted between October 1, 2025 and January 26, 2026.
- The public lottery is scheduled for January 30, 2026, with details on time and location published on the school’s admissions page.
- Applications received after the deadline are placed on a waitlist and considered as seats become available.
Logistical details
- School hours
- Full school day; exact start/end times are not clearly published on the website
- Before / after care
- Aftercare program for grades K–5
- Runs until approximately 6:00 PM
- Fee-based
- Bus service
- Grades K–5: Transportation may be provided by Jersey City Public Schools if the student lives 2+ miles from the school
- Grades 6–8: Students may receive NJ Transit bus tickets (public transportation), not yellow bus service
Sources
Jersey City Golden Door Charter School is a public charter school in Jersey City committed to the belief that all children can learn and achieve at high levels when provided with rigorous instruction, meaningful support, and a nurturing school environment. The school focuses on developing students academically and personally, with an emphasis on preparing them to become confident, capable learners.
Best fit for
Families who want a supportive K–8 (or Pre-K–8) option that emphasizes high expectations with strong language/ESL support and character development.
Address: 3040 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ 07306
School emphasis
- Emphasizes high academic expectations paired with targeted supports to help students meet and exceed grade-level standards.
- Strong focus on language development and ESL support, reflecting the needs of a diverse, multilingual student population.
- Integrates character education and personal responsibility into daily school life alongside academic instruction.
- Positions itself as a supportive, inclusive learning community that values family engagement and student growth over time.
Extracurriculars & enrichment
Elementary And Middle
Grades: K–8
Clubs: STEM Enrichment, Arts & Crafts, Book Club, Fitness & Games
Golden Door partners with an external after-school provider; grade-specific breakdowns are not published. (goldendoorschool.org)
Admissions process & key dates
- Applications for the 2026–2027 school year are available beginning October 20, 2025.
- A public lottery will be held on February 25, 2026 if applications exceed available seats; results are communicated directly to families.
- Applications submitted after the lottery deadline are placed on a waitlist and considered as seats become available.
Logistical details
- School hours
- Full school day; specific hours vary by grade and are listed in school calendars
- Before / after care
- Yes — before- and after-care available
- Program is referred to as “CIRCLE Space”
- Bus service
- No school-run yellow bus service
- Students living more than 2 miles away may receive bus vouchers / public transit support
- Some families arrange private transportation independently
Sources
Global Charter School is a K–8 public charter school in Jersey City with a mission to develop independent thinkers, problem solvers, and socially responsible citizens. The school emphasizes real-world learning and global awareness, helping students connect academic skills to meaningful, practical applications beyond the classroom.
Best fit for
Students who thrive with hands-on, real-world learning—especially entrepreneurship, leadership, and civic themes—through the MicroSociety® model.
Address: 255 Congress Street, Jersey City, NJ 07307
School emphasis
- Strong focus on real-world, experiential learning, encouraging students to apply academic skills to authentic problems and scenarios.
- Implements the MicroSociety® program, where students run a miniature society—including businesses, government, and services—to develop leadership, collaboration, and financial literacy.
- Curriculum integrates themes such as entrepreneurship, sustainability, equality, and civic responsibility, promoting global awareness and ethical decision-making.
- Uses personalized learning plans and small learning communities to support individual student growth and accountability.
Extracurriculars & enrichment
School Wide
Grades: K–8
JCGCS does not publish a separate clubs list; enrichment is largely embedded into the MicroSociety® and project-based school day rather than after-school clubs. (jcgcs.org)
Admissions process & key dates
- Applications for the 2026–2027 school year are available from October 15, 2025 through January 9, 2026.
- Applications submitted by January 9, 2026 are eligible for the lottery; applications received after this date are automatically waitlisted.
- The school indicates that lottery announcements are shared in February; families should check official communications for the exact date and format.
Logistical details
- School hours
- Full school day; specific daily hours are not clearly published online
- Before / after care
- No clear before/after-care information found on the public site
- Bus service
- Transportation details are not clearly published on the school website
Sources
The Learning Community Charter School (LCCS) is a Pre-K through 8 public charter school in Jersey City that places community, equity, and whole-child development at the center of its educational model. LCCS aims to nurture students academically, socially, and emotionally while empowering them to become thoughtful, engaged, and socially conscious members of their communities.
Best fit for
Families who want a community- and equity-centered Pre-K–8 environment with strong social-emotional supports, restorative approach, and CIRCLE values guiding school culture.
Address: 2495 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ 07304
School emphasis
- Built around the CIRCLE values—Community, Independence, Respect, Courage, Leadership, and Effort—which actively shape school culture, expectations, and daily practice.
- Strong emphasis on social-emotional learning and restorative practices, supporting student well-being alongside academic growth.
- Integrates social justice, equity, and civic awareness into curriculum and school life, encouraging students to understand their role in creating a more just society.
- Offers enriched middle-school experiences including electives, athletics, arts programming, and leadership opportunities that extend learning beyond core academics.
Extracurriculars & enrichment
Elementary
Grades: K–5
Clubs: Arts & Crafts Club, Book Club, Chess Club, Early Morning Singers, Math Club, Science Club
Music: Early Morning Singers
Middle School
Grades: 6–8
Clubs: Student Council, Mock Trial, National Junior Honor Society, Podcast Club, Writing Club, Green Team, Math Club, Science Club, Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA)
Languages: French Club (grades 3–8), Spanish Club (grades 3–8)
LCCS publishes one of the most detailed grade-banded club lists, including explicit language clubs starting in grade 3. (lccsnj.org)
Admissions process & key dates
- Applications for the 2026–2027 school year are available beginning October 1, 2025.
- Completed applications must be submitted by 3:00 PM on January 16, 2026 to be included in the lottery; no exceptions are made.
- The public lottery is scheduled for February 13, 2026 and is monitored by an independent third party; late applications are placed at the end of the waitlist.
Logistical details
- School hours
- Full school day; exact hours are not clearly published online
- Before / after care
- No clearly documented before/after-care program found
- Bus service
- Transportation information is not clearly published on the website
Sources
University Academy Charter High School (UACHS) is a public charter high school in Jersey City dedicated to preparing students for college, career, and meaningful civic contribution. The school’s mission centers on the belief that every individual has the capacity to contribute positively to the world, and that education should cultivate both academic strength and a sense of purpose.
Best fit for
High school students who want a college- and future-focused program in a small-school setting, with a mission centered on contribution, service, and community impact.
Address: 275 West Side Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07305
School emphasis
- Strong focus on college readiness and postsecondary success, with academic programming designed to prepare students for higher education and long-term career pathways.
- Mission-driven emphasis on service, collaboration, and contribution, encouraging students to see themselves as active participants in improving their communities.
- Maintains a small-school environment that supports close student–teacher relationships and individualized academic guidance.
- Offers enrichment through extracurricular activities, athletics, and partnerships—including connections with New Jersey City University that support college access and opportunity.
Extracurriculars & enrichment
High School
Grades: 9–12
Clubs: Student Government, National Honor Society, Debate Club, Drama Club, Chess Club, Journalism, Poetry Club, UMOJA, Anime Club, Yearbook
Music: Choir
UACHS publishes a traditional high-school extracurricular structure with clubs available to all grades 9–12. (uachs.org / public sources)
Admissions process & key dates
- Applications for the 2026–2027 school year must be submitted by December 18, 2025 to be included in the admissions process.
- A public lottery is held during the regularly scheduled January 14, 2026 Board of Trustees meeting.
- Students not selected through the lottery are placed on a waitlist and offered seats as they become available.
Logistical details
- School hours
- Full-day high school schedule; exact hours are not published online
- Before / after care
- No traditional before/after care
- After-school activities, clubs, and athletics are offered
- Bus service
- No general bus transportation is listed
- Some students may qualify for district transportation under NJ regulations
Sources
Dr. Lena Edwards Academic Charter School is a K–8 public charter school in Jersey City focused on academic excellence, structure, and character development. The school’s mission emphasizes building a strong educational foundation through high expectations, disciplined learning environments, and a commitment to preparing students for long-term academic success.
Best fit for
Families seeking a structured, high-expectations K–8 environment that emphasizes academic fundamentals, consistency, and character building.
Address: 509 Bramhall Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07304
School emphasis
- Places a strong emphasis on rigorous academics and mastery of core subjects, particularly literacy and mathematics, as the foundation for future success.
- Promotes a structured, orderly school culture with clear expectations for student behavior, responsibility, and respect.
- Integrates character education into daily school life, reinforcing values such as discipline, perseverance, and accountability.
- Emphasizes consistency and stability in instruction, helping students develop strong study habits and academic confidence over time.
Extracurriculars & enrichment
School Wide
Grades: K–8
Dr. Lena Edwards emphasizes structured academics; extracurricular offerings and grade-level participation are not detailed on the public website. (drlenaedwardscharterschool.org)
Admissions process & key dates
- Families must submit a completed application by the published deadline to be included in the admissions lottery.
- When applications exceed available seats, students are admitted through a random lottery process in accordance with New Jersey charter school regulations.
- Applications received after the deadline are placed on a waitlist and considered as seats become available.
Logistical details
- School hours
- Typical school day runs approximately 8:30 AM – 3:55 PM (may vary by campus and grade)
- Before / after care
- Before- and after-school care is offered (per school admissions materials)
- Bus service
- Yes — free bus transportation available upon request (per admissions information)
Jersey City Community Charter School (JCCCS) is a K–8 public charter school in Jersey City dedicated to providing innovative learning experiences that support students’ intellectual, social, and physical development. The school emphasizes building strong academic foundations while fostering independence, responsibility, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
Best fit for
Families who value a K–8 whole-child approach (intellectual, social, and physical growth) and want an aftercare option through elementary grades.
Address: 128 Danforth Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07305
School emphasis
- Emphasizes a whole-child approach, intentionally addressing academic growth alongside social and physical development.
- Focuses on cultivating independent, self-directed learners who are encouraged to take ownership of their education and decision-making.
- Implements innovative instructional practices designed to engage students and support diverse learning needs across elementary and middle grades.
- Serves as a community-anchored neighborhood school, supporting continuity for families through the full K–8 experience.
Extracurriculars & enrichment
Elementary
Grades: K–5
Clubs: Math Club
Middle School
Grades: 6–8
Clubs: Anime Club, Robotics Club, Newspaper Club, Math Club, National Junior Honor Society
JCCCS lists clubs primarily for middle school; elementary offerings are more limited and activity-based. (jcccsonline.org)
Admissions process & key dates
- Families must submit a completed application to be considered for enrollment; Kindergarten admission is subject to a lottery when applications exceed available seats.
- Applications received after the published deadline are placed on a waitlist and considered as openings become available.
- The school’s website currently publishes admissions details for prior years; families should check the enrollment page for updated timelines for the upcoming school year.
Logistical details
- School hours
- Full school day; specific hours are not published online
- Before / after care
- No formal before- or after-care program is listed on the website
- Bus service
- No school-provided transportation
- Transportation is organized by families/volunteers and is not funded or operated by the school
Sources
Soaring Heights’ mission is to prepare students for a lifetime of learning as productive citizens in the technological age—building communication, critical thinking, problem solving, responsibility, and academic excellence.
Best fit for
Families looking for a K–8 mission focused on preparing students for learning and citizenship in the ‘technological age,’ with tutoring/academic supports highlighted by the school.
Address: 1 Romar Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07305
School emphasis
- Explicitly frames its mission around preparing students for citizenship in the technological age.
- Highlights academic supports such as a structured tutoring program focused on Math and ELA needs.
- Describes a calm, nurturing learning environment and a focus on student well-being.
Extracurriculars & enrichment
School Wide
Grades: K–8
Clubs: After-school tutoring, Academic enrichment programs
Soaring Heights references academic enrichment and tutoring rather than formal clubs; grade-level details are not specified online. (shcsjc.org)
Admissions process & key dates
- Families complete an application and submit required documentation (birth certificate, immunizations, proof of residency) to be added to the waitlist.
- The school states it holds a lottery each January to determine waitlist placement for the upcoming year.
- The site shows prior-year dated lottery announcements; check the school’s application/enrollment pages for the current year’s exact date/time.
Logistical details
- School hours
- Full school day; exact start/end times are not published online
- Before / after care
- No before/after-care program clearly listed on the website
- Bus service
- Transportation information is not clearly published on the school’s website
Sources
The Ethical Community Charter School (TECCS) is a K–8 public charter school in Jersey City built around a core commitment to ethics, social justice, and intellectual rigor. TECCS seeks to develop students who think deeply, act ethically, and engage thoughtfully with the world around them—preparing them not only for academic success, but for meaningful participation in a diverse and interconnected society.
Best fit for
Families who prioritize ethics, social justice, discussion-based learning, and a strong values framework (CARES) woven into daily school culture.
Address: 95 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306
School emphasis
- Places ethics and moral reasoning at the center of the academic experience, encouraging students to examine real-world issues, fairness, and responsibility.
- Strong emphasis on social justice, service, and community engagement, helping students see themselves as active contributors to their communities.
- Focuses on analytical thinking, discussion-based learning, and intellectual independence rather than rote memorization.
- Uses the CARES framework—Contribute, Act responsibly, Respect others, Exhibit self-control, and Show compassion—to shape school culture and student behavior.
Extracurriculars & enrichment
School Wide
Grades: K–8
TECCS emphasizes ethics, discussion-based learning, and in-class enrichment; specific after-school clubs and grade levels are not publicly listed. (teccsjc.org)
Admissions process & key dates
- Applications are submitted through the school’s Lotterease enrollment system.
- Grade-specific lotteries are created for each entry grade when applications exceed available seats.
- The school’s public admissions page references prior-year timelines; families should use the active Lotterease portal for current-year deadlines and lottery dates.
Logistical details
- School hours
- Full school day; specific hours are not clearly published online
- Before / after care
- After-school academic support and tutoring programs are mentioned
- Formal before-care is not clearly listed
- Bus service
- Buses/vans are referenced in directory listings; eligibility and routes are not clearly documented on the school website
Help us improve this guide
Prefer email? Reach us at feedback@theflourishingnest.com.