What are charter schools?

Charter schools are public schools that are funded by federal, state and local taxes but are operated independently from the traditional school district. In California, charter schools are authorized by local school districts, county offices of education or the State Board of Education. Charter schools provide educational choice by offering innovative teaching strategies and alternative educational philosophies. Charter schools are similar to traditional public schools in that they must still meet the same academic standards and assessments and must adhere to the same civil rights laws that all public schools must adhere to. However, because charter schools are independently run, they are allowed to be more innovative in their approaches to teaching. This includes introducing specialized curriculum or teaching philosophies, or offering additional support services that may not be available in traditional public schools. Charter schools also have the ability to tailor their curriculum to the students enrolled in the schools. Because a charter school board is selected by the school’s founders, the board may choose a curriculum that is more specialized to the needs of the community or student body. Charter schools also may have more flexibility in their budgeting, allowing for additional activities or supplies that may not be available in a traditional public school. Overall, charter schools offer a unique educational alternative for families seeking an alternative to traditional public schools. These schools provide a range of educational options to best fit the needs of students, while still holding to the standards of public school education.

What are charter schools?

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