Why A Charter School
What is a Charter School?
A charter school in Colorado is a tuition-free public school established by a group of parents, teachers and/ or community members as a semi-autonomous public school of choice that operates via a contract or “charter” between the school’s board and an authorizer, such as the local school district or, in some cases, the Colorado Charter School Institute.
Innovative Approaches in Education
Did You Know?
There are 261 charter schools in Colorado, including 18 in Douglas County, educating over 130,000 students. That is 15% of all public school students! Across nearly all achievement categories, charter schools outperform state averages.
Educate Yourself On The Facts:
- A charter school in Colorado is a public school that is tuition-free and open to all students.
- A charter school generally has more flexibility than traditional public schools in regard to curriculum, fiscal management, and overall school operations and, may offer an education program that is more innovative than traditional public schools.
- Charter schools are held to the same standards and assessments as other public schools.
- Charter schools choose their mission and vision.
- Charter schools have the freedom to determine the length of their school day and year.
- Charter schools have the freedom to hire teachers and staff without contract limitations.
Charter School Myths and Facts
- Myth: Charter schools drain money from the public schools.
- Myth: Charter schools endanger the public school system.
- Myth: Charter schools do not accept all students.
- Myth: Charter school teachers are not licensed.