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See http://www.myschool.org/ for additional charter school information.
What is a Charter School?
Charter schools are independent public schools that are allowed to be more innovative and are held accountable for improved student achievement.
Questions and Answers About Charter Schools: General questions and answers about charter schools (for more information about charter schools please visit www.charterassociation.org
Why are these schools called "Charters?"
Charter schools put forth their goals and operating procedures in a contract that is reached with the local school district, county board of education or the state. This contract is called a "charter."
How are Charter schools funded?
Charter schools receive their funding directly from the state of California, like other public schools its program is funded through tax dollars.
How are charter Schools governed?
Charter schools have their own boards of education and operate independently of local school districts. Local schools districts and county boards of education, however, have an oversight responsibility over charter schools and review the progress of charter schools. Local school districts, county boards of education and the state can revoke charters. A charter school is generally exempt from most laws governing school districts, except where specifically noted in the law.
How are Charter Schools held accountable for student success?
Charter schools in California are required to participate in the statewide assessment test, called the STAR (Standardized Testing and Reporting) program. Charter schools are accountable to their sponsor -usually a state or local school board- to produce positive academic results and adhere to the charter contract. The basic concept of charter schools is that they exercise increased autonomy in return for this accountability.
Are Charter Schools Private Schools?
No. All charter schools are public schools. The charter law prohibits the conversion of a private school to a charter school.
Do I have to pay for my student to attend a Charter School?
No. Charter schools may not charge tuition and may not discriminate against any pupil on the basis of ethnicity, national origin, gender, or disability.
How many Charter Schools are there?
There are currently more than 570 charter schools operating in California, serving about 180,000 students. There are more than 700,000 students nationwide attending 3,000 charter schools nationwide. The number of students attending charter schools is increasing at a rate of about 15 percent a year in the United States.
NEW EDSOURCE REPORT cites higher scores, lower costs for California Charter Schools (Long Beach News Telegram 5/30/05 article.) Download entire EdSource Report .pdf
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