Charter school officials and parents are giving the city's lawmakers a failing grade.
They're calling for policymakers to boost the quality of public schools.
The non-profit, New York City Charter School Center says there is only room for a third of the 68,000 students who entered the lottery for the next school year.
Charter schools are free and independently run, but are publicly funded.
Supporters say they're a good alternative to public schools with weak performances.
"It's not fair that there are parents who have options 'cause they have money and they can put their children in private schools and parochial schools, and then we have the other parents, that it's okay, you go to your local school," said Family Life Academy Charter Schools CEO Marilyn Calo. "No, but that all schools become great schools, they compete and that parents have options."
"It's very frustrating because the school that my son is in, PS 305 in Brooklyn, is a failing school, and I'm just really frustrated because I want to get him out, and there's a long waiting list," said Nakeia Porter, a parent. "He has a long way to go. I'm hoping and wishing that he gets in for September 2016."
The NYC Charter School Center says demand is highest in Central Brooklyn, the South Bronx, and Upper Manhattan.
It expects 16 charter schools to open next school year.