Charleston Independent Schools 2016

25 / 32

| | www.ed.sc.gov
INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS
ISD 25
Charter Schools:
HOw ArE THEy DIffErENT?
What is a Charter sChool?
The South Carolina Charter Schools Act of 1996 defines a
charter school as a public, nonreligious, non-home-based,
nonprofit corporation forming a school that operates by
sponsorship of a public school district, the South Carolina
Public Charter School District or a public or independent
institution of higher learning but is accountable to the
board of trustees – or in the case of technical colleges, the
area commission – of the sponsor which grants its charter.
hoW is a Charter sChool different
from a publiC sChool?
Charter schools are allowed more freedom in instruction
while still being held accountable.
hoW are Charter sChools and
publiC sChools the same?
Charter and public schools both are sponsored by the
same school district, whether a local or state school board.
Charter and public schools are open to all children,
do not charge tuition and do not have special entrance
requirements.
What type of CurriCulum does a
Charter sChool have?
A charter school teaches all of the core subjects but can
adjust how much time is spent according to the needs of
a student. A charter school may also be geared toward a
specific educational core. For example: a school for the
arts, a school for the deaf or a school for the sciences.
Can a parent Choose a Charter sChool
for their Child?
Yes, but there are certain restrictions depending upon the
sponsoring municipality. Charter schools are considered a
school of choice, and parents can choose to enroll their children
in a charter school rather than their assigned public school.
What grades are Covered in a
Charter sChool?
It depends on the individual charter school, but most
teach the same grades as traditional elementary, middle
and high schools.
Who Can start a Charter sChool?
Parents, teachers, school districts, community leaders,
businesses and municipalities can all submit a proposal to
begin a charter school.
are teaChers Certified at
Charter sChools?
Certification requirements are determined on a state-by-
state basis.
Can a Charter be revoked?
Yes. If over the course of three to five years a charter school
is unable to achieve specific educational standards, the
charter can be revoked.
Where Was the first Charter sChool in
the united states?
The first charter school license was approved in Minnesota
in 1991, and its doors opened in 1992. Currently, 43
states and the District of Columbia have approved charter
schools serving approximately 2.9 million students.