Charter Schools

A charter school is a public school that is run in a slightly different way than a public school. Schools are state-funded, which means there is no tuition in order to attend as with a private school, but they operate much as a private school might. Schools are open to all grade levels K-12 who reside in the local school district of the state they are in. As of 2008, there were 39 states that had charter school laws, with approximately 4,300 schools in the country and 1.2 million attendees. In a nutshell, charter schools are independent public schools that operate separate from the board of education in their district.

Working together, a community of educators, community leaders, parents and others create a charter plan. This plan describes the school’s governance structure, guiding principles, and applicable accountability. It is then sent to the state for approval. Once approved the state funds the charter school based on how many students are enrolled. The school can run autonomously, but must be accountable to the state. As parents, students and teachers are attracted to such schools to experience something new; there is a high level of accountability. With only 3-percent of public schools being charter schools, it is no surprise that approximately 350,000 students are on waiting lists to attend the popular schools.

Charter schools allow for educational freedoms not experienced in regular public schools. Schools can establish their own curriculum and teach in their own style. They can be more flexible with teaching benefits, salary and with whom they hire. Believers in charter schools tout better opportunities for educating pupils and a more child-centered education, with more educational choices. They also have the opportunity to create a school that provides newer and better services, which may create a more responsive atmosphere. This is an incentive to all involved to do better and succeed.

By law, charter schools must be fair in their admission policies, they must accept students from all segments of the community they serve and cannot pick and choose their students. This makes charter schools very versatile and a good option for students who are floundering within the regular public school system. Students are chosen on a first come, first serve basis or in some areas where there are just too many applicants, they are chosen by lottery.

Students can expect personalized lesson plans and periodic assessments to achieve the best learning environment. Their learning style is often taken into consideration as well and lessons can then be tailored to them. Parents can often expect to have computer access to their children’s information so that they can monitor their progress, as well as see homework and attendance. Charters work to keep the parents involved by having them volunteer their time and become a part of the education their child receives.

Charter schools are also held accountable for how well they do not only in the realm of education, but in safety standards and maintaining a responsible environment. Schools are judged on how well they meet the goals established by the school, and student achievement goals, while managing operational and fiscal responsibilities.