What Exactly Is a Charter School?
GET THE CHARTER SCHOOL FACTS
There was a time when parents only had two choices for schooling – the free neighborhood public school or an expensive private school. If you didn’t have the money, your children were stuck in a rigid environment that may not fit their learning style and objectives.
Charter schools are public schools run under a legislative contract, or charter. This charter outlines the accountability standards for the school while exempting it from some local and state academic regulations. Essentially, they’re run independently of school districts, but the autonomy comes with a catch. The establishing charter is under a performance contract that details the school’s academic goals and accountability. This charter outlines education standards separate from the state board of education. It’s reviewed on a regular basis, and if the school fails to adhere to set goals, the charter can be revoked.
What’s the Difference Between Charter School and Public School?
Despite not being bound by the same rules as traditional public schools, charter schools are still public schools. They receive state funding, do not charge tuition, and do not have entrance exams. Like traditional public schools, charter schools are open to anyone, regardless of race, gender, or religion.
It’s more than just a difference in leadership, although that’s also important.
HOW CHARTER SCHOOLS
STAND OUT
Curriculum
Charter schools offer variety in curriculum and environment, sometimes focusing on specific areas like math or art. They’re often started by teachers and other educators who found success with a curriculum that doesn’t fit into the rigid rules passed down from the state education board to the local school district. When parents ask, what exactly is a charter school, the short answer is that it is a school focused on core academic areas run by passionate educational professionals.
Location
Traditional public schools are filled with the population of the surrounding neighborhood, whereas charter schools have much more diversity. Because they’re public schools, charter schools participate in state testing and federal accountability programs. They simply set different rules and performance standards to achieve this.
Performance
Charter schools often outperform traditional public schools because of curriculum autonomy. They’re able to specialize in academic disciplines, offer students smaller classes with more one-on-one time, and achieve educational excellence. The better quality of education compared to their area public school is a major reason parents are looking to charter schools for their children.
THE CHARTER SCHOOL
ENROLLMENT PROCESS
There’s no tuition fee, and all children are accepted, with no geographic restrictions.
In contrast, California public schools follow the District of Choice program set limits and restrictions on which schools children can attend, paying special attention to districts. Charter schools aren’t required to adhere to these limits. Their charters exempt them from the limitations of traditional public schools. Exact application processes are set by the individual school and can vary widely.
Why Choose Ballington Academies
Ballington Academy for the Arts and Sciences is an innovative charter school for elementary aged students, made possible by a charter with the Volunteers of America Southwest. It offers innovative Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) curriculum to students in grades K-6, with locations in El Centro and San Bernardino, CA.
This curriculum is aligned with the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). With 25 or fewer students per class, your child will get specialized instruction, individual attention, and access to technology labs, after-school tutoring, and more.
Apply to send your students to Ballington Academy for the upcoming school year.