A charter school is a free public school that is not part of the usual school system. It gets money from taxpayers and has its own rules. These rules, or “charter,” state the school’s goals and how it will work.
Charter schools are funded by the public but run by their own teams. They can choose how to teach and who teaches. This gives them a chance to try new ways of learning.
More and more students, over 3.2 million as of 2017, go to charter schools. People see them as a way to bring new ideas into education. They are watched over by groups like states and colleges to make sure they follow the rules.
Charter schools have more freedom than regular public schools. They can pick their own curriculum and how to teach. They can also choose their staff. This lets them try new things and meet the needs of their students better.
What Is a Public Charter School?
A public charter school is a special kind of school. It is not part of the usual public school system. These schools get money from the public but can do things differently than regular schools. They have more freedom in what they teach and how they teach it.
But, they must follow strict rules set by an authorizing group. This group can be a state agency, a school district, or a nonprofit. These rules are part of the charter agreement.
The “charter bargain” means public charter schools get more freedom. In return, they must show they are doing well in academics and money matters. This keeps them from just doing whatever they want.
Key Characteristics of Public Charter Schools
- Publicly funded but independently operated under a charter contract
- Greater autonomy over curriculum, teaching methods, and school operations
- Accountable to an authorizing entity for academic and financial performance
- Open enrollment policies, allowing families to choose to attend
- Exempt from certain state and local regulations that govern traditional public schools
More and more families are choosing charter schools in the U.S. As charter schools grow, people are trying to find the right balance. They want these schools to be innovative and offer choices. But, they also want them to be accountable.
“Public charter schools have the potential to be powerful engines of innovation and opportunity, but they must be held to the highest standards of academic and financial performance.”
Charter schools give families more choices and let schools be different. This can help students do better in school and get ready for college and their careers.
Key Features of Charter Schools
Charter schools offer a unique way to public education. They give families more choices and flexibility. These schools have special traits that set them apart from regular public schools.
Open Enrollment and School Choice
Charter schools have an open enrollment policy. This means parents can pick the school that suits their child best. It’s different from traditional schools where students go based on where they live.
This choice gives families more power and makes education more competitive.
Exemption from Certain Regulations
Charter schools don’t have to follow all the rules that regular public schools do. They can try new teaching ways, curriculums, and how they run. But, they must still do well in school and money matters, as promised in their charter.
Accountability for Performance
Even with more freedom, charter schools must be watched closely. They need to show they’re doing well in school and money matters, as promised in their charter. If they don’t, the people who approve their charter can take action.
These main features of charter schools help with innovation, better education, and more choices for families.
what is a charter school
A charter school is a free public school that is not part of the usual school system. It gets money from taxpayers and has its own rules. These rules, or “charter,” state the school’s goals and how it will work.
This way, charter schools can do things differently than regular public schools. They have more freedom and can try new things.
Charter School Structure and Governance
There are three types of charter schools. Some are regular schools and some are online schools. Online schools teach mostly through the internet.
All charter schools are non-profit and have rules from different groups. These groups help make sure the schools follow the law and do well.
Charter School Funding and Finance
Charter schools get money from the state and local areas, just like regular schools. They can also get money from private people and groups. But, getting money for buildings can be hard for them.
Studies show that charter schools can be better or worse than regular schools. Some do better in reading and math. But, online charter schools and for-profit ones might not do as well.
“Charter schools aim to improve student learning, increase learning opportunities, provide innovative teaching methods, enhance professional opportunities for teachers, and offer expanded choices for parents and students.”
How Are Charter Schools Different from Traditional Public Schools?
Charter schools and traditional public schools have different ways of working. Charter schools have more freedom in what they teach, how they teach, and who they hire. They don’t have to follow all the rules that regular public schools do.
Increased Flexibility and Autonomy
Charter schools have a lot more freedom than traditional public schools. They can make their own lesson plans, teaching styles, and even their own school calendars. This lets them meet the needs of their students better.
This freedom makes charter schools more creative and quick to respond to their community.
Reduced Regulations
Charter schools also have fewer rules to follow than traditional public schools. They still have to meet certain standards, but they’re not under as much state or local control. This gives them more say in how they run their schools.
| Characteristic | Charter Schools | Traditional Public Schools |
|---|---|---|
| Curriculum and Instruction | Flexibility to design their own curriculum and teaching methods | Often bound by standardized state or district curricula |
| Staffing | More autonomy in hiring and firing teachers | Subject to district-level policies and union contracts |
| Funding | Receive public funding based on student enrollment, with the ability to seek private donations | Receive funding from local, state, and federal sources based on enrollment and property taxes |
| Accountability | Held accountable to their charter contract, which can be revoked if performance goals are not met | Accountable to local school boards and state education departments |
Charter schools offer a unique choice in public education. They focus on innovation, flexibility, and giving parents options. As charter schools grow, we’ll see ongoing debates about how much freedom they should have.
Charter School Authorizers and Oversight
Authorizers are key in the charter school world. They make sure new schools are good and keep them in check. These groups include state education agencies, local districts, universities, and independent boards. They check that charter schools do what they promise and meet their goals.
Authorizing and Oversight Responsibilities
Authorizers have many jobs. They set up a tough process for new schools and watch over them. They make sure schools follow the law and do well in school, money, and organization.
In the U.S., there are about 700 charter school authorizers. They have started almost 3,000 public schools. Most authorizers start 1-2 schools, but some start more.
Authorizing Entities in California
In California, around 220 groups have started almost 500 charter schools. The Los Angeles Unified School District and others are big helpers.
California’s authorizers must check on each school every year. They can take up to 1% of a school’s money for this. But, some schools pay less if they get their buildings for free.
The charter school movement brings new ideas and choices to public education. But, authorizers make sure these schools are doing a good job for students.
The Growth of Charter Schools in the U.S.
The charter school movement has grown a lot in the U.S. over the last ten years. Charter school enrollment has more than doubled, from 1.8 million students in 2010 to 3.7 million students in 2021. This shows how popular this new way of learning has become.
From the 2010-11 to the 2021-22 school years, the U.S. saw a 47% increase in public charter schools. This means there are now about 7,800 charter schools. At the same time, traditional public schools decreased, showing charter schools are becoming more common.
A Choice for Families and Innovation in Education
Charter schools offer a chance for innovation and more choices for families. By 2021, 7% of all public school students were in charter schools, up from 4% in 2010. This shows more families want this different kind of public education.
Even though charter schools are growing, they are mostly found in a few states. Five states – California, Texas, Florida, Arizona, and New York – account for over half of all charter school enrollment in the U.S. But, charter schools are becoming popular across the country, with 46 states and the District of Columbia having them.
“The charter school movement has seen steady growth in the United States, with enrollment increasing from a small number of students to over 3.7 million as of 2021.”
| Metric | 2010 | 2021 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Public Charter Schools | 5,300 | 7,800 | 47% increase |
| Charter School Enrollment | 1.8 million | 3.7 million | 105% increase |
| Percentage of All Public School Students in Charter Schools | 4% | 7% | 75% increase |
Pros and Cons of Charter Schools
Charter schools have good and bad points. They offer more flexibility in teaching and curriculum. They also give more school choices to families. But, there are worries about charter school accountability, resource allocation, and equity in student enrollment. These issues are talked about a lot by those who make policies, teachers, and the public.
Potential Advantages of Charter Schools
- Charter schools usually have smaller classes. This means students get more one-on-one time with teachers.
- They are held to high academic standards. This can lead to better learning and motivation for students.
- Charter schools don’t charge tuition, so they’re open to all students, no matter their family’s money situation.
- They have fewer students than big public schools, making classes feel more personal.
- Parents are encouraged to get involved at charter schools. This can help students do better and build a strong community feeling.
- Charter schools give students and parents more choices besides regular public schools.
- Some charter schools specialize in certain subjects, like STEM education.
Potential Drawbacks of Charter Schools
- Charter schools might be hard to get into because of funding issues and limits set by local officials.
- The quality of education at charter schools can vary a lot. Some may not meet their academic goals or provide top-notch education.
- Charter schools often need donations and fundraisers to cover their costs.
- They don’t offer bus services, which can make it hard for some students to get there.
- Getting into charter schools can be tough, with lotteries or waitlists for spots.
- There’s no standard curriculum or goals for charter schools, which can make things inconsistent.
- The quality of education at charter schools can differ a lot, so it’s key to check out your local options.
- Charter schools have a high teacher turnover rate, at 24% a year, which is more than regular public schools.
The charter school movement is always changing. It’s important to look at both the good and bad sides. This way, we can make sure these schools offer great, fair, and easy-to-get learning for all students.
Charter School Performance and Research
Many studies have looked at how charter schools do compared to regular public schools. Some say charter schools do better, especially in cities. But, others say they don’t do as well in some areas.
A study by the Center for Research on Education Outcomes (CREDO) found some good news. Charter school students learned 16 days more in reading and six days more in math than regular public school students from 2014 to 2019. Also, 83% of charter school students did as well as or better than regular students in reading. And 75% did the same in math.
This shows that charter schools did much better than the usual trend in student performance over time.
But, it’s hard to say for sure how charter schools stack up because of differences in school quality. For example, full-time online charter schools did not do well. Students in these schools lost 58 days in reading and 124 days in math compared to regular public school students.
Also, special education students in charter schools lost 13 days in reading and 14 days in math. This shows a gap in helping these students.
But, students in poverty who went to charter schools gained 23 days in reading and 17 days in math compared to regular public school students. And English learners in charter schools gained six days in reading and eight days in math over regular public school students.
As charter schools keep changing, we need more research to understand how they really work. This will help make policies that make sure all students get a good education.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZWyHc9vtKg
“While traditional public school enrollment declined by 4% during the pandemic, charter school enrollment grew by 7%.”
Charter School Funding and Finances
Charter schools get most of their money from state and local funds, just like regular public schools. They get money based on how many students they have. But, charter schools often struggle to get enough money, especially for their buildings.
On average, charter schools get 81 cents for every dollar a regular school gets. This means they usually lack $2,878 per student. This problem has been the same since 2002-03. In 2019-20, charter schools in 18 cities got $7,147 less per student than regular schools.
To make up for this, charter schools may look for private donations and help from charities. The Walton family and other private donors have given millions to charter schools. Since 2006, private donors have given almost half a billion dollars to support charter schools.
Facility Funding for Charter Schools
Charter schools often struggle to get enough money for their buildings. Only 18 states give charter schools extra money for buildings. And, 15 states have programs to help charter schools with building costs. But, 14 states offer loans for building projects.
This means charter schools must find other ways to pay for their buildings. Groups like LISC offer loans and help to make this easier for them. This can be a big challenge for schools with not much money.
| Funding Source | Percentage of Charter School Funding |
|---|---|
| State Funding | 55% |
| Local Funding | 25% |
| Federal Funding | 20% |
The charter school movement is getting bigger, with over 6,700 schools and 2.7 million students. So, the issue of charter school funding and finances will keep being talked about by many people.
Charter School Regulations and Oversight
Charter schools have more freedom than regular public schools in some ways. But, they must still follow strict rules and be watched closely. They have a contract with an authorizing group, like a state or school district. This contract sets goals for their academics, money, and how they run.
Authorizers keep an eye on charter schools. They make sure the schools stick to their contract. If a school doesn’t do well in areas like student success or money handling, authorizers can take action. They can renew, end, or not renew a school’s charter.
Charter School Regulations and Accountability
Charter schools must follow many rules from the federal, state, and local levels. These include:
- Meeting state academic standards and taking part in state tests
- Sharing performance data for different student groups
- Offering the right special education services
- Keeping student privacy and data safe
- Following health and safety rules
Charter schools that get federal money, like from the Charter Schools Program (CSP), must also follow certain rules. These rules come from the U.S. Department of Education.
“Charter schools are subject to a high degree of accountability, with authorizers closely monitoring their performance and having the power to revoke a school’s charter if it fails to meet its obligations.”
The rules and checks for charter schools help make sure they offer a great education. They also make sure they follow the law and other rules.
The Future of Charter Schools
The future of charter schools is still up for debate. Supporters say they bring innovation and give families more educational choices. Critics worry about equity and the need for strong accountability measures. As charter schools grow, finding the right balance is key.
California’s charter schools are growing, with over 1,283 schools and seven all-charter districts by May 2024. But, there’s a drop in students going to charter schools this year. This is true in the Bay Area and Los Angeles, where charter schools lost 3.6% and 3.1% of students, respectively.
Policymakers and educators face big challenges as charter schools change. They must deal with charter school oversight, funding, and regulation. With laws like Assembly Bill 1505, which limits new charter schools, the debate will keep going.