4 Things to Know about Charter Schools

Posted on: 12 May 2016

Education is very important for children, and it is not uncommon for parents to spend a lot of time considering where their child should be enrolled in school. While private school is an option for some families, others typically consider either the public school that their child is assigned to based on address or look into local charter schools. If you are trying to decide where to send your child to kindergarten, use the following information to determine if a charter school is right for your family:

There Is No Tuition

Many people who are not familiar with charter schools assume that tuition is charged for students who attend the school. In reality, charter schools are funded like public schools with tax dollars. If you feel like a charter school may be better for your child than a public school, you can enroll your child in one without having to pay anything.

Charter Schools Adhere to State Regulations

Charter schools may not be a part of your city's public school district, but they are still required to adhere to state education regulations. If you choose to send your child to a charter school, you can rest assured that he or she will receive an education that meets the state's standards. Many charter schools create a curriculum that differs from public school curriculum, but that is designed to help students excel at things like reading, writing, and math in elementary school.

Not All Charter Schools Are the Same

There are many fantastic charter schools that excel, but there are also underperfoming charter schools. Before enrolling your child in a charter school, take some time to research the school and learn more about how it is rated. Maybe more importantly, visit the school with your child and tour the campus, speak with the faculty, and find out what their philosophy is. The more you know about a school, the better prepared you will be to choose the right one for your child.

If Possible, You Should Be Ready to Volunteer Your Time

While charter schools are funded by public funds, they often do not receive as much funding as a regular district public school. Many charter schools make up for the gap in funding by relying on parents to volunteer at the school and participating in fundraisers. While this may not be something that all families enjoy, a lot of people like the fact that a charter school creates a close network of families who are all focused on helping the school and facilitating the students' academic success.

Contact a charter school in your area like Freedom Academy to get started in the search for the best education for your child.

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