FAQ
Q What is an open Enrollment Charter School?
A Open Enrollment Charter Schools are public schools, however, they are not affiliated with the local public school district. They are tuition free, non-sectarian, non-selective in student admissions, nondiscriminatory in practices, and accountable to a public body.
Q What is the purpose of a Charter School?
A Charter Schools can improve educational choices for students, parents, and teachers. They offer teachers a chance to work in autonomous, innovative schools that use new or alternative teaching methods, philosophical approaches, and assessments. They offer parents and students a variety of learning environments not commonly available in traditional public schools, as well as, the choice to attend a school that is not mandated by the child’s address.
Q Who holds Charter Schools accountable?
A Charter Schools in Texas are sponsored by the Texas State Board of Education. Each charter school is held accountable for its performance, both by parents and by its sponsoring authority.
Q Do Charter Schools levy taxes like local school districts?
A Charter Schools can not levy taxes or sell bonds nor are they intended to replace the current school district’s schools. Charter Schools are not about building schools but about giving parents a choice in public education. Attending a charter school is strictly voluntary. Traditional public schools and charter schools are to enhance each other and create better educational opportunities.
Q Where else can I find a Charter School?
A Charter Schools began in Massachusetts and are currently operating there and in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Hawaii, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington D.C. Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Q How are Charter Schools administrated?
A Charter Schools are administered by site-based school councils and boards. Charter Schools are responsible for setting their school budgets, contracting for services, hiring and dismissing staff, selecting curriculum, and carrying out all other administrative functions of a school.
Q How do Charter Schools operate?
A Charters schools operate with community partnerships and local support. Charter Schools can offer lower student-teacher ratio, innovative learning techniques, integrated curriculum, and extended learning opportunities though local partnerships with universities, community members, and area businesses.
For more information on Charter Schools:
Texas Education Agency “Texas Charter Schools”
http://www.tea.state.tx.us/charter/
Charter School Resource Center of Texas
http://www.charterstexas.org
U.S.C.S. (United States Charter Schools)
http://www.uscharterschools.org
