There seems to be some confusion today about what a charter schools is. Some people think it is a public school and some think it is a private school. The answer is, a little of both.
Why Charter Schools?
Until 1992, there were public schools, where most of the students were enrolled, and private schools where those that could afford to would send their children. Some educators and parents thought they could do a better job of educating children and have it cost less. In 1991 Minnesota granted the first school charter. This allowed the interested parties to be able to establish a private type school but still receive state funding.
At first, the belief was that these schools, also called alternative schools, would attract only the brightest students. Time has shown us that this has not been true. In fact, charter schools have taken on some of the biggest challenges of the public schools and specialize in children with learning difficulties.
Has the Experiment been Successful?
By the 2014-2015 school year, there were 6,700 charter schools in the U.S. educating nearly 3 million students. As with anything else, there have been failures. Some could not make financially, and others could not keep up academically. This will happen with any endeavor, but on the whole, the charter schools have been very successful.
Florida, along with 42 other states and the District of Columbia, now has charter schools. As with any public school, they are regulated by the State of Florida. If you have an interest in the requirements for charter schools, check out Florida Department of Education Charter School Statutes and Rules. From that page there are links to most anything you would want to know about charter schools.
What is a Class Schedule like in a Charter School?
That is a difficult question because there are so many types of charter schools. Some of the individual types of schools are:
• Conversion charter schools - These are traditional public schools that are converting to charter schools.
• Schools-in-the-workplace - These schools are comprised mainly of the children of the workers of a certain company or business.
• Schools-in-a-municipality - These students are selected by a lottery of the residents of a municipality.
• High-performing charter school - must meet certain criteria determined by the FL Dept of Edu.
• Virtual charter schools - provides all of their instruction online.
So, looking at the above, you can see that the schedule of a conversion charter school would differ from a virtual school.
Even within a school, schedules will vary. Middle school charter Sunrise is a High-Tech and College Prep school. This school is for college-bound 6th-12th graders. They have traditional classrooms, and they also have virtual classrooms. They offer dual enrollment which means that a student can be enrolled in high school and college at the same time.
Benefits of Charter Schools
A few of the benefits of charter schools are:
• Flexability of schedule
• An advanced student can work ahead or even take college classes.
• There is no fee for the college classes.
• For a child who takes a little longer to grasp certain concepts, he can work at his own speed.
• Some schools specialize in things such as science, music or many other interests.
If you think a charter school might be the best option for your child, you can Google list of Florida Charter Schools. You are sure to find one in your area.
Why Charter Schools?
Until 1992, there were public schools, where most of the students were enrolled, and private schools where those that could afford to would send their children. Some educators and parents thought they could do a better job of educating children and have it cost less. In 1991 Minnesota granted the first school charter. This allowed the interested parties to be able to establish a private type school but still receive state funding.
At first, the belief was that these schools, also called alternative schools, would attract only the brightest students. Time has shown us that this has not been true. In fact, charter schools have taken on some of the biggest challenges of the public schools and specialize in children with learning difficulties.
Has the Experiment been Successful?
By the 2014-2015 school year, there were 6,700 charter schools in the U.S. educating nearly 3 million students. As with anything else, there have been failures. Some could not make financially, and others could not keep up academically. This will happen with any endeavor, but on the whole, the charter schools have been very successful.
Florida, along with 42 other states and the District of Columbia, now has charter schools. As with any public school, they are regulated by the State of Florida. If you have an interest in the requirements for charter schools, check out Florida Department of Education Charter School Statutes and Rules. From that page there are links to most anything you would want to know about charter schools.
What is a Class Schedule like in a Charter School?
That is a difficult question because there are so many types of charter schools. Some of the individual types of schools are:
• Conversion charter schools - These are traditional public schools that are converting to charter schools.
• Schools-in-the-workplace - These schools are comprised mainly of the children of the workers of a certain company or business.
• Schools-in-a-municipality - These students are selected by a lottery of the residents of a municipality.
• High-performing charter school - must meet certain criteria determined by the FL Dept of Edu.
• Virtual charter schools - provides all of their instruction online.
So, looking at the above, you can see that the schedule of a conversion charter school would differ from a virtual school.
Even within a school, schedules will vary. Middle school charter Sunrise is a High-Tech and College Prep school. This school is for college-bound 6th-12th graders. They have traditional classrooms, and they also have virtual classrooms. They offer dual enrollment which means that a student can be enrolled in high school and college at the same time.
Benefits of Charter Schools
A few of the benefits of charter schools are:
• Flexability of schedule
• An advanced student can work ahead or even take college classes.
• There is no fee for the college classes.
• For a child who takes a little longer to grasp certain concepts, he can work at his own speed.
• Some schools specialize in things such as science, music or many other interests.
If you think a charter school might be the best option for your child, you can Google list of Florida Charter Schools. You are sure to find one in your area.
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