Hoboken’s charter schools consistently earn higher ratings than the city’s traditional public schools. State reports show that these schools excel thanks to smaller class sizes, innovative approaches such as HoLa’s dual-language program, and strong parent engagement. For families, the appeal is twofold—academic quality and economic value. With many private schools in the region costing $20,000 or more in tuition and fees, charters provide a tuition-free option that rivals or even surpasses those private programs.
Councilman Ruben Ramos, a veteran public school teacher with two children who graduated from charters, emphasized the need for better collaboration across all schools. Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher praised the charters’ “wonderful job” and called for ending divisions between district and charter families. Councilman Mike Russo and Ramos both pointed to their work ensuring charters receive a fair share of developer funds through PILOT agreements, noting that “charter schools are public schools as well.”
Candidates also stressed equal access to city resources such as recreation programs and safe facilities, with proposals ranging from renovating the Boys & Girls Club to tapping unused private spaces.
