Charter Schools

Charter schools are increasing in number across the country for various reasons. Many parents prefer the smaller environment for their children because of the increased violence and overcrowding in the traditional public schools today. Parents feel that their children will receive more individualized attention, which will benefit them especially if they are struggling academically.

Charter schools usually operate independently of their school districts; therefore, they are able to be more creative and innovative in their approach to teaching students. Their districts cannot force them to use a certain curriculum that has been brought in by a new superintendent because it may have worked well in his or her previous district or maybe it was presented at a conference and the superintendent decided it would be a good idea to purchase it for the entire district.

The downside is that charter schools are not funded in the same manner as regular schools. I am the principal of a small charter school and we receive about 55% of the funding that our counterparts receive. However, somehow we can make ends meet. Our school has just as much technology as the other schools and we don't feel that our students are lacking in any areas. On second thought, we do need a new facility. Our district has vacant facilities, but will not allow us to use them. One of their facilities has been vandalized, but they just repair the damages and continue to let it sit unoccupied. In my opinion, the taxpayers should be outraged and make a big deal out of this.

How much do you know about charter schools? Would you be willing to venture into such a risky environment?