I visited a charter school recently—the KIPP Bayview Academy in San Francisco. This school is part of a network of KIPP (which stands for “Knowledge is Power Program”) schools across the country. I was amazed at what I saw—engaged students, enthusiastic and energetic teachers, and a school culture that emphasized learning, hard work and solid preparation for college. It’s not for the faint-hearted. Students go to school longer days, on Saturdays and must attend summer school. Teachers work long hours and are required to give their cell phone numbers to their students in case they need help with homework in the evening. And this is a public school! KIPP Bayview Academy is achieving tremendous results with students who enter the school below grade level and graduate ready for high school.
How can they do this in a public school, you might ask. Because it’s a charter school, which frees it from many of the restrictions regular public schools must abide by. You might be wondering “What exactly are charter schools?” Here are some answers.
Charter schools are alternative public schools. The charter school movement got started in the 1970s as a way to provide innovation and break away from the bureaucracy of the public school system. Charter schools are public schools of choice, meaning teachers and students choose to go to them as an alternative to their regular public school. They can’t charge tuition and they are open to everyone. If there are more applicants than spaces, they have to have a random method of choosing students, such as a lottery, and they are not allowed to discriminate regarding who they admit.
Charter schools have fewer regulations and “red tape” than regular public schools. This means they can have a longer school day or year. They also have more freedom in hiring teachers and how they deliver instruction.
Charter schools come in different sizes and shapes. Some have a theme for their curriculum such as technology or the arts. Some cater to specific student populations, such as students with behavioral challenges, or low-income students in the inner city. Some are run by community groups while others are run by charter school management organizations (called CMOs).
Charter schools get basic funding from the state. Many raise additional funds through grants to provide a longer school day, smaller classes and additional activities for their students.
Most charter schools are in urban areas. There are currently 41 states that have laws allowing charter schools. There are more than 3,600 charter schools and about 1 million students are enrolled in charter schools.
Charter schools can be closed if they don’t enroll enough students, don’t manage their finances well or can’t find a stable place to operate.
Are you familiar with charter schools in your area? Does your child attend a charter school? Do you think charter schools provide good alternatives to schools in your area?