Charter Schools

In California, a charter school is an independently operated public school that operates under a charter granted by an authorizing entity, such as a school district or the state board of education. Charter schools are funded with public money and are free to attend, like traditional public schools.

Here are some key features and characteristics of charter schools in California:

• Autonomy: Charter schools have increased flexibility and autonomy compared to traditional public schools. They have the freedom to design their own educational programs, curriculum, teaching methods, and school policies, allowing them to create unique learning environments tailored to the needs of their students. *It’s important to note that while charter schools in California operate under their own charters and have increased autonomy, they are still subject to state laws and regulations regarding areas such as health and safety standards, non-discrimination policies, and special education services. Additionally, the specific rules and oversight of charter schools can vary based on the authorizing entity and the terms of their charter.
• Accountability: While charter schools have more independence, they are still held accountable for meeting specific academic and operational goals outlined in their charter. If a charter school fails to meet its goals or demonstrate satisfactory performance, its charter can be revoked, leading to closure.
• Open Enrollment: Charter schools are open to all students, regardless of their academic abilities or residence. They cannot discriminate or charge tuition fees, and they must admit students through a fair and transparent lottery system if there are more applicants than available spots.
• Specializations and Innovations: Charter schools often focus on specific educational approaches, such as arts integration, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, language immersion, or college preparation. They have the freedom to implement innovative teaching methods and educational models to enhance student learning.
• Parental Choice: Charter schools provide parents and students with an alternative to traditional public schools. Families can choose to enroll their children in a charter school if they believe it aligns better with their educational values, priorities, or specific needs.
• Funding: Charter schools receive public funding based on the number of students enrolled, similar to traditional public schools. However, they do not have access to the same local property tax revenues as traditional public schools, and they may face additional challenges in securing facilities and resources.
•  

For more information, visit https://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/ch/cefcharterschools.asp