Is it a private school? Is it a public school? A charter school is more of a blend of private and public school. They are funded by public money but run autonomously from the public school system.
Why Charter Schools?
Usually charter schools are started and administered by parents and educators who may desire more flexibility than they are getting in their public schools. For instance, a group of people interested in an emphasis on science could come together and request a charter. When granted the charter, they still need to educate students in all subjects, but they are allowed to delve deeper into scientific subjects and schedule more science based field trips. Charter schools have three goals:
Why Charter Schools?
Usually charter schools are started and administered by parents and educators who may desire more flexibility than they are getting in their public schools. For instance, a group of people interested in an emphasis on science could come together and request a charter. When granted the charter, they still need to educate students in all subjects, but they are allowed to delve deeper into scientific subjects and schedule more science based field trips. Charter schools have three goals:
• To improve student learning and increase parental choice
• To improve public education through competition and innovative practices
• Create schools with unique philosophies
Charter Schools in Florida
In 1996 the FL legislature authorized charter schools. Today Florida holds third place in the country for the number of students in charter schools with over 100,000 enrolled. Charter schools in FL fall into the following classes:
• Start-up schools
• Schools managed by educational management organizations
• Conversion public schools
• Community partnerships
• University charter schools
An Example of a Charter School
Charter schools vary greatly, but one example of a charter school in Florida is iGeneration Charter School. This is a charter high school Pompano Beach that specializes in academics. Their students are in Middle School and High School and are preparing for college. This school gives these students all of the below advantages over a traditional 6-12 grade school:
• All students who qualify can be dually enrolled in high school and college at no cost.
• Individualized program for gifted students
• More one-on-one time with the teachers
• Technology-rich environment - all students are provided an iPad or laptop
• Totally wireless campus
• Personalized schedules
Charter schools are not just for the academically inclined. There are charter schools that use the Montessori teaching method, schools that specialize in the performing arts, schools for deaf students, or for children with Autism Disorder. Some charter schools are mainly virtual, giving students the ability to travel with their parents. If you are interested in a school with an emphasis in a particular area, you may not need to pay for a private school; check out the charter schools in your area.
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