Charter Schools: Myths vs Facts

Since 2000, student enrollment in public charter schools in the U.S. has grown from less than 500,000 students to over 3.2 million. The boom in enrollment can be linked to parents demanding school choice options. While charter schools enjoy tremendous bipartisan support among policy makers and the general public, critics continue to perpetuate myths about public charters, often pitting them against traditional public schools. However, every parent needs and deserves options when it comes to choosing the right school for their child.

Whether you are sharing your experience publicly as a charter school parent or want the facts for your own personal reasons, here is a look at some of the truths behind charter schools’ biggest myths.

MYTH: Charter schools are not public schools. FACT: As defined in federal and state law, charter schools are public schools. They must meet the same standards as public schools including being: • tuition free and open to all students • nonsectarian and nondiscriminatory in all circumstances publicly funded by local, state and federal tax dollars based on enrollment • held accountable for meeting state and federal academic standards

MYTH: Public charter schools do not have accountability standards like traditional public schools. FACT: Public charter schools are publicly funded schools that are governed by a group or organization under a legislative contract — or charter — with the state, district or other entity. While the agreement may exempt the school from certain state or local regulations, in return for flexibility and autonomy, the charter school must meet all accountability standards outlined in its charter. The school’s charter is reviewed periodically and can be revoked if guidelines on curriculum and management are not followed or if accountability standards are not met. This is in stark contrast to district-run public schools, where failing schools can often undergo school improvement and turnaround measures for years, while generations of children continue to receive a subpar education.

MYTH: Charter schools hand-pickonly the best and highest-performing students from traditional public schools. FACT: Charter schools are open to all students regardless of race, income, neighborhood, prior academic performance, or special education status. If there are more interested students than available seats, charters are required to hold lotteries, which randomly determine which students will be enrolled. According to federal law, charter schools must accept all students, including students with disabilities and English Learners (ELs), regardless of previous academic performance.

MYTH: Charter schools get more money than traditionalpublic schools. FACT: On average, charter schools receive less public funding than district-run public schools, and in many states, charter schools get no public funding for facilities. Across the country, charter schools receive nearly 30% less per pupil per year in funding than neighboring district-run public schools. Charter schools do not receive any funds from local tax revenue, which makes up nearly 60% of the money that traditional school districts receive.

MYTH: Charter schools are creating a second education system in Texas. FACT: There is a single public education system. Trying to pit district schools and charter schools in a zero-sum-game that prioritizes a one-size-fits-all approach to education does a disservice to public education. Public education does not belong to one particular kind of school; it belongs to our kids. A strong public education system offers different paths to success: traditional district schools, magnet schools or charter schools.

MYTH: Charters do not do enough for children with special needs. FACT: All public schools should do more for children with disabilities. Because there is more flexibility in the way that charters are operated and run, they have more freedom to create a customizable education for students, including students with special needs, than a traditional district school. Charters in Texas serve proportions of students with disabilities at rates close to traditional public schools: nine percent in traditional public schools compared to eight percent in charter schools. That small gap has been shrinking even more as more parents discover what charter schools can offer their children.

Charter Schools by the Numbers *

43 states have charter schools, including the District of Columbia 3.2 MILLION studentscurrentlyattend charter schools in theU.S.

7,000 charter schools nationwide 219,000 charter school teachersin the U.S.

*Source: National Alliance for Public Charter Schools