Apply to Opportunity Charter School
Founded in 2004, Opportunity Charter School (OCS) is a tuition-free public charter school located in Harlem serving grades 6–12. OCS welcomes students from all backgrounds, regardless of previous academic performance, grades, test scores, or attendance records.
Students are accepted through a random lottery system, and submitting an application is all that’s required to be considered. Acceptance is subject to capacity, and if there are more applications than available seats, applicants may be placed on a waitlist for future openings.
How to Apply
Applying to OCS is simple and free. Students are not required to submit prior academic records or grades. Applications for the 2026-2027 school year are now open. The deadline to apply for the 2026–2027 school year is April 1st, 2026. Note: limited seats are still available for the 2025-2026 school year, please reach out to our admissions team to learn more.
Submit your Application
Applications can be submitted in multiple ways. If you need assistance, call (212) 866-6137 or email [email protected] and a member of our team will guide you through the application and explain the lottery process.
Options to apply:
Students are accepted through a random lottery system, and submitting an application is all that’s required to be considered. Acceptance is subject to capacity, and if there are more applications than available seats, applicants may be placed on a waitlist for future openings.
How to Apply
Applying to OCS is simple and free. Students are not required to submit prior academic records or grades. Applications for the 2026-2027 school year are now open. The deadline to apply for the 2026–2027 school year is April 1st, 2026. Note: limited seats are still available for the 2025-2026 school year, please reach out to our admissions team to learn more.
Submit your Application
Applications can be submitted in multiple ways. If you need assistance, call (212) 866-6137 or email [email protected] and a member of our team will guide you through the application and explain the lottery process.
Options to apply:
- Online: Submit your application using the form below, or apply on ocsny.schoolmint.com.
- In-Person: 240 W. 113th Street, New York, NY 10026 4th Floor Main Office
- Phone: (212) 866-6137
- By mail: Send paper application to the address above
Visit our School
The best way to see what makes our school unique is to visit. Experience our welcoming community, engaging learning environments, and diverse extracurricular opportunities. If you cannot attend a scheduled event, call or email us to arrange a visit at a time that works for you.
The best way to see what makes our school unique is to visit. Experience our welcoming community, engaging learning environments, and diverse extracurricular opportunities. If you cannot attend a scheduled event, call or email us to arrange a visit at a time that works for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the eligibility requirements?
Applicants must reside in New York City. Students living in Community School District 3 will receive enrollment preference.
What is the lottery system?
The lottery is a fully randomized system that assigns each applicant a number. All students who apply before the April 1st deadline will be included in the lottery. Applicants who submit after the deadline will be added to the waitlist. If a seat becomes available, we will contact applicants on the waitlist.
When will I be notified if I receive an offer?
Offers will be announced on April 3rd, 2026. Notifications will be sent via email, text, and phone call from a member of our admissions team.
What is the waitlist process?
Applicants on the waitlist will be contacted if a seat becomes available. Seats are offered in the order determined by the lottery.
Is there a uniform or dress code?
All OCS students are required to wear uniforms. Students wear their uniforms with pride to represent our school and uphold its commitment to preparing productive citizens.
What are high school credits?
High school credits are units used to measure the amount of work completed in a course. Each course you complete and pass earns you a certain number of credits. These credits are necessary to meet graduation requirements.
What is SchoolMint?
SchoolMint is an online enrollment and communication platform used by public, charter, and private schools to simplify the application process.
Need additional support or have more questions?
Call (212) 866-6137 or email [email protected] and a member of our team will be happy to guide you through the application process.
Applicants must reside in New York City. Students living in Community School District 3 will receive enrollment preference.
What is the lottery system?
The lottery is a fully randomized system that assigns each applicant a number. All students who apply before the April 1st deadline will be included in the lottery. Applicants who submit after the deadline will be added to the waitlist. If a seat becomes available, we will contact applicants on the waitlist.
When will I be notified if I receive an offer?
Offers will be announced on April 3rd, 2026. Notifications will be sent via email, text, and phone call from a member of our admissions team.
What is the waitlist process?
Applicants on the waitlist will be contacted if a seat becomes available. Seats are offered in the order determined by the lottery.
Is there a uniform or dress code?
All OCS students are required to wear uniforms. Students wear their uniforms with pride to represent our school and uphold its commitment to preparing productive citizens.
What are high school credits?
High school credits are units used to measure the amount of work completed in a course. Each course you complete and pass earns you a certain number of credits. These credits are necessary to meet graduation requirements.
What is SchoolMint?
SchoolMint is an online enrollment and communication platform used by public, charter, and private schools to simplify the application process.
Need additional support or have more questions?
Call (212) 866-6137 or email [email protected] and a member of our team will be happy to guide you through the application process.
There's still time to apply!
Limited seats are available for the 2025-2026 school year. Submit your online application or call us and apply over the phone at (212) 866-6137
