UNDERSTANDING CHARTER SCHOOLS

There are currently more than 4,000 charter schools in operation across the United States and over 130 in Colorado. Many Coloradoans do not fully understand what charter schools are and how they can impact our educational landscape. A few basic facts about charter schools can help clear up misconceptions:

Charter schools are public schools

All charter schools are open to the public to attend. They are funded by public dollars and have a corresponding obligation to serve the public.

Charter schools are free to attend

Charter schools receive their funding from government sources, just like other public schools. They cannot and do not charge tuition.

Charter schools are not religious schools

Charter schools are subject to the same laws as all public schools regarding the separation of church and state. They may not teach religion as part of their curriculum.

Charter schools do not have selective admissions

Charter schools admit students via a randomized lottery. They have no admissions criteria and may not turn students away based on ability.

Charter schools do have a high level of accountability

Students at charter schools take the same standardized tests as their peers at regular district schools. The schools have to meet all of the same state and federal accountability standards of any other public school. In addition, charter schools are governed both by a Board of Directors that is intimately involved in the daily operations of the school and by the Board of Education that oversees the district in which the school operates.

Charter schools employ highly qualified teachers

While charter school teachers need not be licensed, they still must meet the same standards of “highly qualified” as defined by federal law as all other schools. A key difference with charter schools is that all faculty are employed at will and may be dismissed with or without cause.

Charter schools have not proven to be better than nor worse than other public schools

Just like regular district schools, there is a wide range in the quality of charter schools. Those with innovative approaches and good operational controls are proving to be a viable alternative to traditional schools.

There is growing demand for charter schools

According to the Colorado League of Charter Schools, there are currently more than 25,000 students on waiting lists hoping to get into charter schools. The current supply is not adequate to meet the demand.

For further information:

The Colorado League of Charter Schools
http://www.coloradoleague.org/

Denver Public Schools Charter Schools
http://soco.dpsk12.org/stories/storyReader$135