Whitmore Lake Public Schools

Admin | February 11, 2012 | Comments Off

Whitmore Lake Public Schools

Whitmore Lake Public Schools

Charter schools are getting more and more popular with parents and even the federal government lately. According to the Center for Education Reform, parents are choosing charter schools at an increasing rate. Over four hundred new charter schools opened last year and there are charter schools in thirty nine states. And earlier last year, the Obama administration introduced its education reform agenda “Race to the Top.” This agenda supports amongst many other issues, the proliferation of charter schools.

Charter schools are public schools of choice that are publicly funded, but are freed from some of the rules, regulations, and statutes that apply to traditional schools. While most children continue to attend traditional public schools, more parents are considering charter schools. They often believe their child will get a better education in a nurturing environment at a charter school. Of course, many other parents are satisfied with their child’s experience in traditional schools.

Charter School Advantages

One advantage is their level of accountability. Charter schools must abide by the tenets outlined in their charter contract between the school and the chartering unit, which states projected student achievement outcomes as well as penalties for failing to make these gains. If the charter school fails to measure up, parents can “vote with their feet” or, the school can lose its charter altogether.