While some things are the same as public schools, some things are better.
When you started searching for the right school for your child, you may have been surprised and maybe a little overwhelmed by all the choices and decisions you have to make. There are district-managed schools, magnet schools, private schools, and charter schools.
We'd like to help you understand the differences between a public charter school and a traditional public school. But before we get to the differences, let's talk about what is the same:
- COSTS: Since charter schools are public schools, they are open to the public with no tuition. The only costs a parent will incur if sending their child to a charter school will be the same things that would be required at a traditional school such as uniforms, meals (free-and-reduced pricing is available), field trips, and extra-curricular activity costs.
- STANDARDS/SCHOOL GRADES: Charter school students are required to teach to the accepted state standards the same as all public schools. Each school must participate in the state standardized testing and each receives a school grade. At all CSUSA schools, our evaluation process is designed to bring all students to mastery. If a student fails a test, we re-teach and allow them to retest with a slightly different test until they can show that they understand the subject.
- CERTIFIED TEACHERS: Charter schools must adhere to the same professional regulations as their district/parish counterparts. CSUSA’s goal is to hire certified teachers who are certified or working toward certification. In fact, CSUSA enrolls non-certified teachers into a certification program and pays all expenses to help teachers become fully certified within three years.
So, what’s the difference?
FLEXIBILITY AND ADAPTABILITY
Charter schools are allowed a greater level of flexibility and adaptability in the way curriculum is chosen and delivered. Unlike a huge district, smaller charter schools can make individual decisions based on the needs of their immediate school population. This can mean longer school hours if needed, creative lesson plans, and personalized learning plans for students. Additionally, individual schools can choose specific sports and extra-curricular activities based on student demand.
Educators know students best because of their everyday interactions and can adapt lesson plans to focus on each individual child’s strengths and weaknesses. Additionally, the school’s curriculum can be themed around what is important to the community. In other words, a school can offer enhanced courses in the arts or science, technology, engineering, and math, or perhaps a global perspective or a wellness focus. It all depends on the community’s needs.
IT'S ALL ABOUT CHOICE
A major difference between a district/parish zoned school and a charter school is choice. Students are never assigned to a charter school – parents must make that choice. In some districts, neighboring schools are low-performing and parents prefer to have their child enrolled in a high-performing charter school. In other areas, districts and parishes may offer high-performing options that just don’t fit the needs of the family, so parents can choose a charter school.
Further, it’s important to note that teachers also make a choice when they choose to work at a charter school. They prefer to have the ability to use their creativity more and not have to teach to a script. They may put in longer hours at a charter school if they choose and the pay structure allows them to earn more if they are high-performing. In district/parish schools, teachers are paid on a set pay scale and are given preference for time, not necessarily expertise.
THE EDUCATION AND CULTURE
Charter schools are innovative hubs with forward-thinking curriculum and programs. Our students prepare for the future with opportunities to take high school or college credits. We believe students should be prepared for the future while engaging in exciting and meaningful lessons that apply to their lives every day. We provide fair and consistent discipline so all students feel safe in their classrooms and environment. We also require students to wear uniforms to help them remain focused on learning instead of worrying about the latest fashion competition.
CSUSA managed schools believe that parents have a voice in their child’s education. We encourage a collaborative environment with parents and teachers to give our students the very best learning environment. Our goal is to always strike a balance between challenging and engaging to spark students’ natural curiosity so that they want to learn and are excited to come to school every day.