Key takeaway
- Both charter and public schools are publicly funded and don’t require tuition
- Charter schools have more flexibility in their instruction and school size.
- Public schools receive funding from and are managed by the government.
- Charter schools operate independently under a state-approved charter and often seek additional private or grant funding.
- While charter schools may offer flexible learning and smaller classes, and are typically family-centered and innovative, they may also operate on a lottery-based admission system, receive less funding, and have limited transportation.
Source: Flickr user departmentofed.
The charter vs. public school question may come up while enrolling your children, so what’s the difference? The main difference is that charter schools are independently run, while public schools follow rules set by the local district. Deciding between charter vs. public school? Below, we’ll break down both charter and public schools so that you can make the best choice for your family.
What is the difference between a charter school and a public school?
When deciding between a charter and public school, there are a few characteristics to know about each:
Charter schools
- They are publicly funded from federal, state, and local sources.
- They are tuition-free.
- Families have to apply, and in some cases, a lottery system might be used for admission.
- Teachers have more flexibility over the instruction in their classroom.
Public schools
- These schools are funded by the government.
- They are managed by the local government.
- They are tuition-free and required to accept all students.
- Teachers must follow the district and state guidelines when it comes to curriculum and tracking student performance.
The history of charter schools
The idea for charter schools first came about in the early 1990s, as there was an increasing demand for a public school that had more flexibility and innovation separate from traditional public schools. The first charter school was established in 1991 in Minnesota, with California being the next state to pass a charter school law. By 2015, 42 states had operational charter schools.
How is funding allocated to charter schools different from that of public schools?
Public schools receive funding from local tax dollars, state money, and some federal funds. The district then decides how to divide the money among all of the public schools in the area. Charter schools also receive public funding, but do not get the same access to the tax revenue. This often means they receive less money for their school. Because of this, many charters rely heavily on grants and fundraising.
How is the admission process different for charter schools than public schools?
Public schools are required to accept all students who live in the local district. They are not allowed to turn students away, even if that means increasing class sizes or hiring another teacher. They cannot say “we’re full.”
Charter schools are also open to everyone, but they do have limited seats. Everyone can apply—even if you live in a different district. Although charter schools are allowed to turn students away, they can only do so if they run a fair lottery. They cannot hand-pick students based on academic performance, who their family is, or what educational needs they have.
Is the curriculum different at a charter school?
While there is certainly more flexibility over the instruction in a charter school classroom, it doesn’t mean that the school is inventing its own curriculum. Charter schools must still follow the state learning standards and testing requirements. With public schools, the district chooses a curriculum, and the school has to follow it using specific textbooks and pacing guides. Charter schools must teach the same learning standards, but with more flexibility. This means they can use different textbooks, teaching methods, or even incorporate arts, STEM, or project-based learning.
What are the pros and cons of charter schools?
When deciding if a charter school is the right fit for your child, it is important to understand the benefits and drawbacks of charter schools.
Pros:
- More family-focused. Because they operate independently, many charter schools find ways to involve families, creating a tight-knit community. Parents are more involved, and there are typically more family-focused events.
- Flexibility in teaching methods. Because teachers can design their instruction around the standards to include STEM, projects, and individual pacing, students are more likely to receive the instruction that fits their specific needs.
- Smaller class sizes. It is common for charter schools to have smaller class sizes, which is great for building rapport and providing more individualized support when needed.
- More innovation. Because charter schools aren’t required to follow district rules, they can try new things that the districts cannot easily implement.
Cons:
- Admission is not guaranteed. Because charter school seats are limited, not every student is guaranteed to get in and may have to rely on a random lottery admissions system.
- May receive less funding. Charter schools may receive less funding than public schools, which could mean fewer extracurriculars, fewer resources, and a stronger reliance on fundraising and grants.
- No public transportation. Many charters do not provide transportation to and from school, which might not work for all families.
- Potential controversy over accountability and equity. Some believe that charter schools aren’t held to the same standards, making it more challenging to be held accountable for academic performance. Others believe that some charters may only accept students based on background or learning needs.
What if I want to switch to a charter school from a public school?
If you are thinking about switching your child to a charter school, it is important that you first research the school’s track record to see if they are consistently under- or over-performing. You may also find it helpful to speak to other families whose children attend the school. This way, you can get an idea of what the teaching is like and how the experience they offer may differ from that of a public school.
Choosing between a charter or public school?
When choosing between charter vs. public schools, you’ll want to assess the academic program and school culture. If the public school your child is assigned to doesn’t seem like it will be a good fit, then it may be worth looking into a charter. Ultimately, the choice will come down to personal preference and what makes the most sense for your family.
The choices we make in education matter at every stage—and especially when it comes to college. When it’s time to plan for the future, College Raptor’s College Match tool can help you find schools that are the best fit.
