Myths vs Facts

MYTH:  CHARTER SCHOOLS STEAL MONEY FROM DISTRICT SCHOOLS

FACTS:  As public schools, charter schools are funded by public tax dollars that pass through the student’s school district of residence.  A portion of the per-pupil amount that a school district spends follows a student to the charter school.  It is important to note that because not all monies received by a school district are included in the calculation, charter schools receive only between 60-80% of what school districts actually spend on a per-pupil basis.


MYTH:  CHARTER SCHOOLS ARE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

FACTS:  Charter schools are independent and do not answer to your local school district superintendent or your board of education.  Instead, a charter school is run by its own non-profit board of trustees, which is responsible for overseeing the school and ensuring that it is a success.
Because charter schools are not bound by many of the state laws and regulations governing public education, they are free to develop their own curriculum, choose staff, set educational goals, offer a longer school day and school year, and establish their own standards for student behavior.
In return for these freedoms, a charter school must show within its five-year charter period that is has raised student achievement.  Only if the school raises achievement will its charter be renewed. 


MYTH:  CHARTERS CHARGE TUITION

FACTS:  No.  As public schools, charter schools cannot charge tuition.


MYTH:  CHARTER SCHOOLS ARE PRIVATE FOR-PROFIT CORPORATIONS

FACT:  Charter schools are independent public schools that operate under a contract or charter created by parents, educators, and community leaders.  With their rigorous curriculum programs, and unique educational approaches such as: longer school days and a longer school year, charter schools offer quality and choice in the public education system.  Charter school students are required to take all state tests, and the schools must comply with laws regarding health, safety, civil rights and special education.

Charter schools trade operational freedom and flexibility for higher levels of accountability than traditional public schools.  Charter schools are held accountable to the parents and students they serve based on how well they meet the academic performance goals established in their charter, and how they manage their fiscal and operational responsibilities.
 

MYTH:  CHARTER SCHOOLS ARE ANSWERABLE TO NO ONE.  CHARTER STUDENTS DON'T HAVE TO TAKE STATE EXAMS

FACTS:  Charter schools must demonstrate that their educational programs meet or exceed the student performance standards adopted by the Board of Regents for other public schools.  As part of their assessment program, charter school students are required to take existing state exams required of students in other public schools, including Regents exams.


MYTH:  CHARTER SCHOOLS PICK AND CHOOSE STUDENTS (CREAMING)

FACTS:  Any child may attend.  There are no entry requirements, no admissions tests and no residence restrictions – your child does not have to live in the district where the charter school is located to apply, however admissions preference is given to students from the local district and out of district students have a lower probablility of being admitted typically. 

Each charter school has a limited number of spaces for students.  If a charter school has more applicants than open seats, it holds a lottery.  Charter schools are required to give an enrollment preference to students already attending the school, their siblings, and students who live in the district in which the charter school is located.   Charter schools must admit any student who is selected in the lottery.  Charters can give preferences in admission to “at risk” students.