What is a charter school? Love ’em or hate ’em, charter schools are where experimentation *actually* happens in education, with consequences for poor performance (unlike your local public school system where you can be on the verge of failing for eternity and STILL somehow remain open). Test scores don’t tell the whole story (and if you haven’t nabbed your copy of the Confident Decision Maker’s Toolkit, you do get the whole story about how to wisely choose preschools), so don’t write off the charters before you’ve gotten the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. 

What Is A Charter School?

Charter schools, while often controversial, remain a vital part of the education landscape. These institutions are hailed as havens for educational innovation, where traditional rules are cast aside in favor of experimental approaches. However, their effectiveness and impact continue to be subjects of ongoing debate. 

In a nutshell, charter schools are public schools that are funded by the state but operated by a private organization. This means they are independent of the government-run (national and local) school system, they are tuition-free 👀🙌, and open to all students*.

*caveat – that get a seat; more below 

Charter schools must meet the standards of traditional public schools but they have more flexibility in the way they operate. Most importantly, they operate under a performance contract, or a “charter” which frees them from many regulations created for traditional public schools while holding them accountable for academic and financial results.

Charter schools are usually created by a group of parents, teachers, or community members who want to create a new type of school. These schools are typically but not always smaller than traditional public schools, and they have more freedom to decide how they want to run their school. 

UNDERRATED BENEFIT: the charter school we’ll be attending doesn’t have smaller classes but it does offer two teachers per class instead of one teacher per class. This is HUGE in terms of student:teacher ratio and worth considering.

Charter schools can choose their own students + teachers, and are often considered to be better at educating students than regular public schools. This performance gap isn’t universal – it’s a loose trend – and one of the factors that plays into this result is that they can and do counsel out students who can’t keep up/pose behavioral issues. Contrast this with the public school system that is legally required to educate any student that meets the admissions guidelines (usually based on zoning).

Another factor in charter schools’ success? They can more easily fire poor performing teachers. This goes both ways though – there will be great teachers who don’t want to be subject to a high pressure environment and will opt for the local public schools. Anyway, more on charter school performance later in this post.

Can charter schools be shut down?

Absolutely! The length of time for which charters are granted varies but most are granted for 3-5 years. At the end of the charter period, schools are evaluated against the benchmarks they set forth in their charter. If they fail, they usually have a period of time to remediate. If they don’t show progress, they lose their charter. 

Who Runs Charter Schools?

The answer to this question varies, as charter schools are independently operated and each has its own board of directors. Typically, charter school governance involves active participation from parents, teachers, and community members.

While it’s true that each charter school is independently operated with its own board of directors, there are also charter management organizations (CMOs) and education management organizations (EMOs) that manage networks of charter schools. These organizations often provide administrative support, curriculum guidance, and strategic direction to multiple schools within their network.

The board of directors often includes education professionals, community leaders, and sometimes even parents. They are responsible for the oversight of the school’s operations, including financial management, curriculum implementation, and staff hiring. The degree of autonomy a charter school has can often depend on the terms of its charter, its relationship with its authorizer (which can be a local school district, a university, or a state education agency), as well as state laws and regulations.

Are Charter Schools Non-Profit?

While the majority of charter schools operate as non-profit organizations, there are a small number of for-profit schools in existence. This highlights the fact that these schools are not primarily driven by profit-making motives. Instead, any funds generated are reinvested directly into the school, prioritizing the betterment of education and the overall learning experience.

How Are Charter Schools Funded?

Charter schools receive funding through various channels. Some are allocated a per-pupil amount from the state, while others receive a fixed sum for each enrolled student. Additionally, a few charter schools rely on private donations as a source of funding. By diversifying their funding sources, charter schools can ensure financial stability and continue providing quality education to their students.

Charter schools employ a variety of funding mechanisms to ensure their financial viability and the continuity of their educational services. 

• State funding forms the backbone of most budgets. This funding is typically calculated on a per-pupil basis, meaning the schools receive a set amount of money for each student enrolled. This encourages schools to attract and retain as many students as possible.
• Charter schools also generate revenue from federal programs designed to support education. For example, Title I funding is provided to schools serving low-income students, while the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) funds are allocated to schools that cater to students with special needs.
• Like their private and public siblings, charter schools rely on fundraising and private donations. They might organize fundraising events, apply for grants, or solicit donations from alumni, local businesses, and philanthropic organizations. These contributions can provide a crucial financial boost, especially for schools serving communities where per-pupil state funding may be inadequate.
• Some charter schools might also generate income through facility rentals or providing ancillary services. While these sources usually make up a smaller piece of the revenue pie, they can be critical in ensuring the school’s financial health, particularly in periods of economic downturn or budget cuts. 

Overall, the diversity of funding sources allows charter schools to maintain financial stability while focusing on their primary mission: providing a high-quality education to their students.

How does charter school funding differ from public school funding?

Public schools, like charter schools, derive a substantial portion of their budget from state funding, which is typically calculated on a per-student basis. However, unlike charter schools, public schools also receive significant funding directly from local property taxes. The wealth of a district, therefore, can greatly impact the resources available to its public schools. 

Federal funds also contribute to public school financing, but these typically make up a smaller portion of the budget compared to state and local sources. Federal funds often target specific initiatives or student populations, such as low-income students (Title I) and students with special needs (IDEA), similar to charter schools.

While some public schools may engage in fundraising efforts or receive private donations, these sources usually constitute a smaller fraction of their budget compared to charter schools. Public schools generally do not rely on these supplemental income streams to the same extent as charter schools.

Facility rentals and ancillary services are less common revenue sources for public schools, as these institutions primarily focus on their educational mission rather than diversifying income streams. This contrasts with some charter schools, which may use these methods to bolster their financial stability, particularly in times of economic stress. 

Pros and Cons of Charter Schools

Charter schools offer a number of advantages that make them an attractive educational alternative. First and foremost, they can provide innovative and specialized programs that align with their charter, often focusing on certain areas such as STEM, the arts, or vocational training. This allows students to pursue their interests and talents in a more targeted way.

Additionally, charters often have more flexibility in their curriculum and teaching methods than traditional public schools, potentially leading to more engaging and effective education. The smaller student populations common to charter schools can also result in more personalized attention and decreased class sizes. Lastly, charter schools can be an important choice for families in districts with underperforming public schools, providing an alternative educational opportunity.

However, charter schools also have their disadvantages. Although they have flexibility in curriculum design, they can also lack the oversight and regulation found in public schools, which may lead to inconsistencies in educational quality. They are often criticized for being selective in their admissions, potentially leading to a lack of diversity or inclusivity. Furthermore, while they may offer innovative programs, these may not be as comprehensive as those found in public schools. Their reliance on non-governmental funding can also lead to financial instability, which could potentially affect the quality of education. Finally, the existence of charter schools can divert much-needed resources away from public schools, thereby weakening the public school system.

The best charter schools are as dreamy as any parents hope for: excellent college acceptances and students prepared to succeed in the real world.

The worst charter schools end up with viral videos showing questionable discipline methods, like that of Success Academy. 

Pop on over here for an in-depth look at NYC charter schools.

Charter School Effectiveness: What the Research Says

Various studies present mixed findings on charter school effectiveness. Some research highlights positive outcomes, indicating that students in charter schools outperform their counterparts in traditional public schools in reading and math scores. This has been especially prevalent in urban areas where charter schools often serve disadvantaged student populations.

On the other hand, critics of charter schools point to research that suggests minimal differences in academic achievement between students in charter schools and traditional public schools. Some studies even show charter school students performing worse in certain regions or subjects.

Another key measure of charter school effectiveness is college readiness. Studies have shown that charter schools, particularly those with longer school days or years, can better prepare students for postsecondary education.

However, it is important to note that the results vary significantly depending on the specific charter school or network in question, the student population served, and the geographic location. It underlines the critical aspect of quality control and accountability in charter schools to ensure positive outcomes for all students.

A History of Charter Schools in America

Charter schools, a relatively new concept in the United States, emerged in 1992 with the opening of the first one. Since then, their popularity has soared, with over 7,500 charter schools in operation in 2021. These publicly funded schools operate independently, granting them more flexibility than traditional public schools to customize their curricula and teaching methods to better serve their students’ needs.

What is the Process of Forming A Charter School?

Step 1: Planning

The process of forming a charter school is multifaceted and requires significant planning and diligent execution. Charter schools come into existence when individuals, groups of parents or teachers, businesses, municipalities, or legal entities submit applications to the school district. 

Step 2: Developing a Charter Proposal

The second step involves developing a comprehensive charter proposal. This document outlines the school’s mission, educational program, governance structure, and financial plan. It also includes plans for student services, special education, and facilities.

After the application is approved, the applicants come together to form a governing board. This board then enters into negotiations with the district school board to establish a contract, commonly referred to as a charter. The charter is a mutual agreement between the applicants and the district school board. Through this process, charter schools are created, providing approved educational alternatives that are sanctioned by the district school board.

The negotiated contract outlines expectations of both parties regarding the school’s academic and financial performance.

Importantly, a charter school must be organized as, or be operated by, a nonprofit organization.

Step 3: Securing Authorization

The charter proposal must be submitted to a charter authorizer, which can be a local school district, state board of education, or independent chartering board, depending on state law. The authorizer reviews the proposal and decides whether to grant a charter.

Step 4: Building a Team

Once authorization is secured, the next step is to build a team, which includes hiring a head of school or principal, teachers, and support staff. These individuals should believe in the school’s mission and be committed to student success.

Step 5: Securing Facilities

Charter schools typically need to secure their facilities, which can involve leasing or purchasing a building or using public space. Some schools may also need to renovate existing spaces to accommodate educational needs.

Step 6: Enrollment

The final step is student enrollment. Charter schools must conduct a fair and open admissions process, which typically includes a lottery system if applications exceed spots available. Charter schools cannot selectively admit students based on academic ability, race, or other discriminatory factors.

Step 7: Replication and Expansion

Once a charter school has established a successful model, it may consider replication or expansion to increase its impact. This can mean opening new campuses in different areas, or scaling up the existing school to serve more students. Expansion requires careful planning to ensure the quality of the education program is maintained and the school’s unique culture is preserved. Replication, on the other hand, involves creating a new school that mirrors the successful elements of the original model. Both processes require securing additional funding and approval from the charter authorizer.

Charter Schools and Equity

Charter schools play a crucial role in fostering equity in education by providing quality learning opportunities, irrespective of a student’s socio-economic status or geographical location. Unlike traditional public schools that are bound by district boundaries, charter schools offer parents a choice, opening avenues for families in underprivileged areas to access high-quality education. However, to fully realize this goal, charter schools must maintain a commitment to non-discriminatory admission processes and ensure equal opportunities for all students. Many do so through a lottery based admissions process. 

How Do I Get A Seat At A Charter School?

Gaining admission to a charter school typically varies based on the specific school’s enrollment process. However, there are some common methods.

Open Enrollment: Many charter schools operate on an open enrollment basis. This means that any student within the state is eligible to attend, regardless of their residential district. 

Lottery System: Due to high demand and limited spots, charter schools often resort to a lottery system. If the number of applications exceeds the available spots, a random draw determines who secures admission. All applicants have an equal chance of being selected in this unbiased process.

Application Review: Some charter schools may require applicants to submit an application form detailing their academic and extracurricular interests. However, it is important to note that charter schools cannot select students based on academic ability or any other discriminatory factors. 

Waiting List: In a scenario where a lottery has been conducted and all spots have been filled, prospective students are typically placed on a waiting list. As spots become available, students are admitted from the waiting list in the order their applications were received. 

Charter schools are open to all students residing within the district; however, charter schools are allowed to target students within specific age groups or grade levels, students considered at-risk of dropping out or failing, students wishing to enroll in a charter school-in-the-workplace or charter school-in-a-municipality, students residing within a reasonable distance of the school, students who meet reasonable academic, artistic or other eligibility standards established by the charter school, or students articulating from one charter school to another.

How do charter school teachers compare with public school teachers?

Charter school teachers often have a different set of expectations and experiences compared to their counterparts in traditional public schools. One key difference is their credentials. Some states allow charter schools to hire teachers who are not state-certified or who have a certification waiver. This flexibility can lead to a diverse range of teachers with varied backgrounds in the charter school system. 

On the other hand, in traditional public schools, teachers are usually required to hold a state certification or license. 

Note that private schools don’t insist on certification and I agree with the philosophy of hiring the most engaging individual who has a love of the subject matter. With the exception of Montessori accreditation and certification which is critical to keeping faux-tessori programs at bay, the state of teaching colleges in America is so poor as to be meaningless in quality. 

Another difference often lies in the teaching environment. Charter schools, by virtue of their autonomy, might have more innovative or experimental teaching methods and curricula. Teachers in these schools may have more freedom to tailor their techniques to their students’ needs, fostering a more personalized learning environment. 

In contrast, public school teachers often adhere to set district curricula and standardized methods of teaching. Despite these differences, both charter and public school teachers share the ultimate goal of providing the best education to their students.

Charter schools also aren’t bound by union contracts.

Do charter school teachers make more money?

On average, charter school teachers in America do not earn more money than public school teachers. According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average salary for public school teachers in the United States was $62,870 during the 2018-2019 school year. By contrast, a study by the National Education Association (NEA) found that the average salary for charter school teachers in the United States was $46,530 during the 2017-2018 school year.

It’s worth noting that teacher salaries can vary widely depending on the state, district, and individual school. Some charter schools may offer higher salaries or other forms of compensation, such as bonuses or retirement benefits, in order to attract and retain high-quality teachers. However, in general, charter school teachers tend to earn less than public school teachers.

How are charter schools held accountable?

I mentioned the performance contract element to charter schools above which is a key determinant in whether or not a school remains open. In addition, the federal Department of Education is legally required to annually provide an analysis and comparison of the overall performance of charter school students to traditional public school students. Current and archived reports can be found at the Nation’s Report Card website (which incidentally, is a great source of data for making decisions about school enrollment). 

What happens to charter school funds and property when a charter school is closed?

If a charter school closes its doors, broadly speaking, any assets purchased with public funds usually revert back to the public district or state, while assets bought with private funds might be dispensed according to the guidelines set forth in the school’s bylaws or the terms of the grant or donation. Outstanding debts must also be paid from remaining funds. The key principle is ensuring public assets are used for public benefit, even in the event of a school’s closure.

What are the applicable laws and regulations for charter schools? 

Charter schools in the United States are subject to both federal and state laws. At the federal level, they’re governed by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which provides financial assistance for schools and holds them accountable for achieving academic goals. 

At the state level, laws vary widely, but generally contain provisions related to multiple aspects of charter school operation, including establishment and renewal, governance, finance, and academic performance. For example, state laws often define who can authorize charter schools, what factors should be considered when renewing a charter, and requirements for fiscal transparency and reporting. 

It’s important to note that while charter schools are exempt from some regulations applicable to public schools, they must still adhere to all state and federal laws related to civil rights, health and safety, and special education.

43 states and the District of Columbia authorize the establishment of charter public schools.

What is the relationship between charter schools and school vouchers?

Charter schools are a key component of the larger educational movement commonly referred to as “school choice.” Other school choice options include magnet schools, voucher programs, open enrollment policies that allow students to go to any school in a district, and tax credits for tuition.

Many charter school supporters don’t support vouchers and process enrollment on a lottery basis. 

Do charter schools get better results?

The research regarding the effectiveness of charter schools in comparison to their public counterparts is varied and complex. On one hand, studies such as the 2015 CREDO report from Stanford University have found that students in urban charter schools demonstrate significantly higher levels of growth in both math and reading than their peers in traditional public schools. However, other studies, like the 2018 Education Next report, have highlighted that the performance of charter schools is not universally superior and can vary significantly depending on factors such as the school’s management organization, the socio-economic background of the students, and regional differences. Ultimately, it seems that while some charter schools can and do outperform public schools, the quality of education provided is largely context-specific.

Is a charter school right for your child? 

At the end of the day, whether a charter school is right for your child depends first and foremost on your child. Learning disabilities add a layer of complexity to the equation, and private schools are actually notorious for counseling out students with IEPs. The recent suicide at Saint Ann’s, a prestigious, no-grades private school in Brooklyn is perhaps the most extreme example of what can happen to children with learning disabilities, though that story is not the only one of its kind. Charter schools can exercise this power to counsel out as well. 

Depending on what the charter dictates, charter schools can offer an alternative to a gifted and talented program. If you don’t secure a seat though, remember that that’s what I’m here for: supplementing public school or daycare at home is not only feasible, it gets you the results you’re looking for. Action is better than no action – so what are you waiting for? Schedule a strategy call or sign up for the Inquisitive Learner Accelerator waitlist – the only coaching program of its kind that shows parents how to boost their kids’ reading, writing, and number sense skills at home using science of learning backed strategies. It combines the best of traditional schools and homeschooling – learning insurance at its finest. 

I also created the Confident Decision Maker’s Toolkit to help parents evaluating programs. If you’re on the hunt for a new school or program for your child, this toolkit has the data, questions, and decision making tools you need to choose the right program for your child. It is the most effective $50 you’ll spend!