Charter Schools: Myth vs. Fact
With all the misinformation about charter schools, it can be hard to know what to believe. The truth is that charter schools offer students more opportunities than traditional schools. They have more freedom in operating, which allows for greater variation in teaching styles. If you’re interested in exploring options for your child, read on to learn more!
With campuses in Noblesville & Westfield, Options Schools are here to dispel common misconceptions about charter schools. Are you interested in learning more about alternative education for your child? Contact us today!
Dispelling Common Misconceptions
Myth: Charter schools are synonymous with private schools.
Fact: Charter schools are public schools.
Charter Schools are legally considered public schools. While they follow the same legal requirements as traditional public schools, they do have more flexibility in how they operate. Charter schools can have different rules and policies, and they may use a different curriculum than what you’re used to at your local school. Some charters even offer longer school days or shorter summer breaks!
Charters are funded by taxpayers, just like regular public schools, which is one of their biggest benefits: they don’t require any additional funding because they receive funds from state or local government just like any other public school would. The only difference is where those dollars come from–while traditional districts get money directly from taxpayers through property taxes, charters mainly rely on private donations from individuals who support their cause.
Founded in 2002, Options is a free, public charter school providing alternative education for grade 6-12 students throughout Indiana, via campus programs & an online program.
Myth: Charter schools are for troubled or at-risk students.
Fact: Charter schools are open to all students and do not discriminate based on ability, race, religion, or language spoken at home.
Most charter schools have the same admissions requirements as public schools. In most cases, this means that charter schools must follow local school district policies regarding academic performance (e.g., test scores) and behavior issues before accepting a student into their programs. The main requirement for a student to enroll at Options Schools, is that they be a resident of the state of Indiana, as the mission of Options is to provide a caring community, quality education, and guidance to those students who seek an alternative to traditional schooling.
There is a stigma around alternative education, making it widely believed that it is solely for underperforming students. Options Schools are working tirelessly to change that stigma. The reality is every child learns differently, and at this time many students are looking for different ways to obtain their education. Different learning styles do not equate to underperformance or academic failure. Options Schools are designed to cater to a variety of students.
Myth: Charter schools aren’t regulated as well as public schools.
Fact: Charter schools are held to the same standards as traditional public schools.
Charter schools introduce an unprecedented amount of accountability into public education. If a charter school isn’t succeeding for students and families, it can be shut down. In addition to operating as public schools, charter schools are also responsible for adhering to the promises laid out in their charter agreement—another layer of accountability.
The charter school’s authorizer is responsible for enforcing these rules. If they don’t, the charter school will no longer serve students and families.
This all means charter schools are held directly accountable by their families and communities, in addition to public school standards!
Myth: Charter schools steal funding away from local, public schools.
Fact: Charter schools receive less public funding than district-run public schools.
Some opponents of the school choice movement feel that charter schools are robbing traditional public schools of much-needed funding. On average, charter schools receive less public funding than district-run public schools and supplement funding through grants. Moreover, in many states, charter schools get no public funding for facilities. Across the country, charter schools receive nearly 30 percent less per pupil per year in funding than neighboring district-run public schools.
There is no such thing as a “for-profit” charter school, as all charter schools are nonprofit entities with a mission to put students first.
Charter Schools Can Help Your Child Get Ahead
Charter schools are an alternative option of school choice that can offer your student a more fulfilling and personalized educational experience than what is offered by traditional public schools.
Charters tailor their programs to meet the needs of individual students more effectively than larger districts can. As such, many parents choose charters over traditional publics because they feel confident that their children will receive more personal attention at these institutions. If this sounds like an environment your child would thrive in, contact Options Schools today to get started!
About Options Schools
With a high-quality, individualized approach to education, Options Schools specializes in providing students with an inclusive environment, unparalleled support, and a student-to-teacher ratio of 15-to-1. With brick-and-mortar campuses in Noblesville and Westfield, Options also offers additional programs in virtual, hybrid and in-person formats to serve students throughout Indiana.
Prior to becoming one of the first five charter schools in the state of Indiana (2002), Options served as an alternative program for Carmel Clay Schools students in search of something different. Options Schools’ charter authorizer is Ball State University.
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