What are Charter Schools?

Charter schools are new, innovative public schools that are accountable for student results. They are designed to deliver programs tailored to educational excellence and the needs of the communities they serve.

Charter schools are one of the fastest and most successful growing reforms in the country. The first charter schools opened its doors in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1992 and now, a decade and a half later, more than 3600 schools are serving over 1 million children across 40 states and the District of Columbia.

Based on the belief that America’s public schools should meet standards of excellence and be held accountable, parents are lining up to choose these innovative public schools that are able to meet the individual needs of their children.

How Do Charter Schools Differ From Traditional District Public Schools?

Charter schools operate on three basic principles:

Choice: Charter schools give families an opportunity to pick the school most suitable for their child’s educational well-being. Teachers choose to work at schools where they directly shape the best working and learning environment for their students and themselves.

Accountability: Charter schools are judged on how well they meet the student achievement goals. Charter schools must also show that they can perform according to rigorous fiscal and managerial standards.

Freedom: While charter schools must adhere to the same laws and regulations as all other public schools. Charter School leaders can focus on setting and reaching high academic standards for their students.

Why Are Charter Schools So Popular?

Educational Quality: The primary reason for charter schools is to make sure every child has access to quality education. With the freedom and choice to do so, charters set higher standards and must meet them to stay in business. They are your ticket to higher-quality schools.

Focus on the kids: Perhaps most important, a charter school is set up around the needs of children. The focus should always be on the kids, and programs should be designed to help children succeed, no matter what it takes.

Safe, stronger communities: Charter Schools typically engage local businesses and other organizations to help provide resources and services to the school and its families. Charter Schools have a proven effect on the strength and safety of a community.