Published November/December, 2006, in Family North Carolina Magazine
With parents increasingly concerned about the academic quality and moral suitability of traditional public schools, many are turning to that often shunned by government agencies—charter schools.
Simply put, charter schools are public schools without the red tape. A charter is free to choose its own direction and educational emphasis because it operates independently of most state regulations and district standards. The school and state establish a performance contract, called a “charter,” by which the school is required to abide. Like traditional public schools, charter schools are funded mainly through taxpayer dollars that are distributed by the State Board of Education according to the per pupil allocation set forth by the local school administration. Despite enjoying the autonomy of choosing their own direction and emphasis, charter schools are still tuition-free and must accept students on the same nondiscriminatory basis as any other traditional public school. Each school is organized as a nonprofit educational organization with its own board of directors to oversee the operational details of the school. There’s no doubt that many charters have blossomed nationwide, despite being denied financial perks enjoyed by conventional public schools. According to the Center for Education Reform, well over one million children now attend 3,977 charter schools across America, an increase of nearly 400 schools since the 2005-2006 school year. Although charters are often the brunt of criticism, research shows that they often provide a better overall learning environment than comparable public schools. Faculty from at least two North Carolina charter schools attribute their school’s success to what they consider the primary goal of this education alternative: creating an atmosphere free of bureaucratic entanglements where students can grow and achieve in new and innovative ways. And that starts by parents, teachers, and communities thinking outside the box. Read the rest of this entry »
