Charter Schools and You

Charter schools are becoming increasingly popular across the United States. More and more families are turning to these centers to provide quality education for their child.

Although charter schools have increased in popularity in certain areas, there are still many questions surrounding this form of education. How does it differ from the public or parochial school tradition? Do charter schools adhere to the same standards? How do I know if this form of school is right for my family? By learning more about the charter school system, you can feel at ease about deciding whether to send your child to a charter school.

With a little research, you can learn a great number of things about the increasingly popular charter school. These education centers are allowed to operate in an independent fashion. Chartering allows a school to organize itself in a manner that is appropriate for the community it serves. This means that it can be more in tune with how children in that particular community learn and grow.

Although the basic principles of education are shared, there a few differences between charter schools and traditional public schools. One difference, noted by major charter school websites, is the choice involved. Students and educators choose to be part of the charter school system. Teachers have more authority to choose how they want to improve academic results in their classroom and often don't have to adhere to an established principle.

Charter schools are publicly funded and should not be considered private. These schools are open to all students and cannot charge a tuition fee to families. Because of the increase in the popularity of this type of schooling, enrollment can be difficult. In the event that the school in your community is full, there will generally be a lottery to fulfill future enrollment. Occasionally, there can be a waiting list if classrooms have already filled for the year. Check with your local school to inquire about their enrollment policy.

If you have an interest in a particular school in your area or have questions about charter schools in general, there is quite a bit of information available online from national and state chartered school websites. You should also contact your local charter schools. They will be glad to walk you through the enrollment process and answer any concerns you may have with the school system.

When it comes to your child’s education, there are many different types of school systems available. From religious-based and parochial to Montessori to arts-based education centers, it is important that you research all your options. You may find that the best fit for you is not the usual public school and that a charter schools fits your family best.