Charter Schools: Answering To The Most Common Questions Frequently Asked

We are aware that there are still many doubts about charter schools; therefore, from Charter High Schools in Mesa we join to collaborate to clarify the concerns that parents may have so keep reading!

Who is Welcome in a Charter School?

All parents who want their children to receive the type of education that the charter school offers can sign up and submit their enrollment form, which will then be evaluated.

How Do Charter Schools Decide Who To Admit?

By law, charter schools cannot discriminate against any student. However, the law also allows them to use a screening process to choose who to admit. These schools are not required to accept all students who enroll. I. e., if the number of students enrolling exceeds the capacity that the school has, the charter school, unlike the traditional public school, does not have the obligation to admit students on a first-come, first-served basis.

If the number of students enrolling exceeds the school's capacity, the Education Code states that the charter school must determine who will be allowed to attend through a “public lottery and priority will be given to students currently attending the school and students residing in the district. Charter school authorities may give other priorities for each individual school, always in accordance with the law.

Are Charter Schools Required To Hire Credentialed Teachers?

Charter schools receive teachers who have had a special preparation that allows them to teach, for which they have received a higher education in the area of teaching and have graduated as such. These teachers possess their credentials and certificates as proof of their academic readiness.

Do Charter Schools Offer a Better Education Compared To Traditional Public Schools?

There is no general answer to this question. Research studies suggest that there are some very well-run charter schools, as well as some very well-run and effective public schools. On the other hand, there are also bad charter schools as well as very bad public schools. In addition, a particular school, whether it is a traditional public or charter school, maybe a better choice for some children than others due to access to a program of music, arts, sports, certain languages, teaching style, advanced level courses, computer-based learning, etc.

What are The Possible Reasons Parents Choose a Charter School For Their Child?

Parents do very good research and talk to other parents who already have children attending charter schools and thus can draw conclusions. The reasons are diverse but on the one hand there are parents who have had bad experiences in public schools due to mistreatment of their children, either by teachers or other students. On the other, there are parents who feel safe knowing that their children will receive more personalized attention.

Also, due to the personalization of the classes and the curricular areas, many children have better academic results than in a conventional public school. All of this is often a reason for success for charter schools, and parents are drawn to it.

How Do Charter Schools Function Differently Than Traditional Public Schools?

Charter schools are created and managed by parents, unions, businesses, cooperatives, companies, teachers, community groups, etc., as non-profit organizations but receive a grant from the State per student.

Here, parents assert their views and organize for additional donations. Also, they are run by large and small companies, parents, teachers, etc., who supervise it and can also close them if the goals established in their statute are not reached. All this does not happen in a traditional public school.

Charter schools represent a rapidly growing option for choice and responsibility in public education. We invite you to contact us or come personally to talk if you have specific questions.