A hearing was held in Peekskill Wednesday night over the proposed Guardian Academy Charter School.

Hundreds of parents that attended the hearing are concerned that a proposed charter school will take funding away from the school district and hurt more students than it would help.

More than 500 parents turned out to the hearing to voice their opposition of the school.

If approved, the school would be located inside Assumption Catholic School, which closed last year.

Supporters say charter schools offer more choices because the curriculum tends to be different from public schools. But, opponents say it will only offer more of what already exists in the Peekskill School District. 

Opponents also think funneling money into the charter school will take opportunities away from children already enrolled in the Peekskill School District. Supporters disagree and say the charter school will not compete with the Peekskill School District for funding. 

If approved by the state, the Guardian Academy is planning to open next August with kindergarten and first grade. It would then add a grade each year up until eighth grade.