Charter Schools Part 1 - Captn's Lounge Studios

Part One of Two Parts

On the continuing theme of education we discuss charter schools verses public schools. The Good, The Bad and the Rotten. Cameron Hoxie is a special needs educator,  and has a vast knowledge on the educational system in the US.

From Wikipedia. Source - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charter_schools_in_the_United_States

Charter schools in the United States offer primary or secondary education without charge to pupils who take state-mandated exams. These charter schools are subject to fewer rules, regulations, and statutes than traditional state schools, but receive less public funding than public schools, typically a fixed amount per pupil. There are both non-profit and for-profit charter schools, and only non-profit charters can receive donations from private sources.

There are an estimated 6,800 public charter schools in 42 states and the District of Columbia (2015–16) with approximately 3 million students, a sixfold increase in enrollment over the past 15 years. In 2015 alone, more than 400 new charter schools opened while 270 schools closed due to low enrollment, lack of finances or low performance. Waiting lists grew from an average of 233 in 2009 to 277 in 2012, with places allocated by a lottery. They educate the majority of children in New Orleans Public Schools. Some charter schools provide a specialized curriculum (for example in arts, mathematics, or vocational training). Charter schools are attended by choice.

They may be founded by teachers, parents, or activists although state-authorized charters (schools not chartered by local school districts) are often established by non-profit groups, universities, or government entities. School districts may permit corporations to manage multiple charter schools. The first charter school law was in Minnesota in 1991.