A charter school is a public school that is run under a performance contract, also known as a “charter” that it is free of the many regulations bestowed upon traditional public schools in return of greater academic success. A “charter” is a contract between a school and its states legislature or authorizing agency. A charter establishes a school’s mission, academic goals, programs, and methods of assessment. Charter schools are held responsible for their academic and financial success, as well as keeping the promises that were made in their charter. A charter allows a school to have more flexibility than traditional schools, in regards to their class and school sizes, curriculum choices, and length of school days and year. Charter schools are known as public schools of “choice” meaning that parents choose the school for their children. Parents must submit an application to enroll their children into charter schools. Similar to private schools, space is often limited. A lottery system is often used to fill vacancies in charter schools. Also similar to public schools, they are tuition-free …show more content…
Charters are given between three to five years to demonstrate academic achievement. During this time, officials will monitor students’ academic performance. If academic performance falls below expected targets, then the charter will be pulled and the school will be closed. Supporters believe that charter schools improve academic success, while increasing innovation and competition between tradition public schools. While opponents argue that charter schools reduce financial resources for public schools and do not work with disabled students. Although charter schools first opened in 1992 in the United States, there is still controversy whether charter schools provide a better education than traditional public