🎯 Charter Public Schools

Overview: What Are Charter Schools?

Charter schools are public schools operated by nonprofit organizations under a performance contract (the "charter") with an authorized oversight body. They represent an alternative form of public education with increased flexibility in exchange for increased accountability.

Key Distinction: Charter Schools Are PUBLIC Schools

This is crucial to understand—charter schools are NOT private schools. They are:

• 100% publicly funded through tax dollars
• Completely tuition-free for all students
• Required to accept all students who apply (lottery if capacity exceeded)
• Must be nonsectarian and nonreligious in all practices
• Subject to the same state academic standards as traditional public schools
• Required to employ state-certified teachers
• Accountable to public oversight through authorizers

What Makes Charter Schools Different?

The Autonomy Trade-off

Charter schools operate on a fundamental trade: more freedom in exchange for more accountability.

Governance Structure

Unlike traditional public schools governed by elected school boards, charter schools are governed by nonprofit organizations. This means:

• Board members are appointed, not elected by local voters
• Less direct democratic control by the community
• Meetings must still be open to public (Open Public Meetings Act)
• Subject to public records requests
• Accountable to their authorizer (Charter Commission or district)

Charter School Authorization

Charter schools in Washington can be authorized by two entities:

1. Washington State Charter School Commission

• Most common authorizer
• Nine-member appointed commission
• Oversees majority of Washington charter schools
• Conducts performance reviews and can close underperforming schools

2. Individual School Districts

• Some districts authorized to approve charters (e.g., Spokane Public Schools)
• Less common authorization path
• District provides oversight and accountability

The Charter School Debate

Charter schools remain controversial in Washington and nationally, with legitimate perspectives on both sides:

Supporters Argue:

• Innovation and flexibility can improve educational outcomes
• Choice empowers families, especially in underserved communities
• Competition drives improvement in all schools
• Accountability through performance contracts ensures quality
• Autonomy allows schools to serve specific student populations effectively

Critics Worry:

• Resources diverted from traditional public schools that serve most students
• Lack of local democratic control through elected boards
• Cannot access local levy funding approved by voters
• Mixed national evidence on overall performance improvements
• Instability from potential closures affects students and communities

Advantages of Charter Schools

Challenges and Disadvantages

Running Start Program for 11th & 12th Graders

Requirements for Charter Schools

Despite their autonomy, charter schools must meet strict requirements:

Academic Standards

• Follow all Washington state academic standards
• Participate in state testing (Smarter Balanced assessments)
• Meet same graduation requirements as traditional public schools
• Achieve performance targets specified in charter contract

Operational Requirements

• Must be nonprofit organizations
• Nonsectarian and nonreligious in all practices
• Open enrollment (lottery if oversubscribed)
• Employ state-certified teachers
• Provide special education services (FAPE)
• Comply with federal civil rights laws
• Subject to Open Public Meetings Act
• Subject to public records requests

Accountability Measures

• Annual performance reports to authorizer
• Annual financial audits
• Periodic charter renewal (typically every 5-7 years)
• Can be closed for poor academic, operational, or fiscal performance

Comparison: Charter vs. Traditional Public Schools

Aspect	Traditional Public	Charter Public
Cost	Free	Free
Admissions	All district students	Open enrollment (lottery)
Funding Sources	Local, state, federal	State, federal only
Local Levy Access	Yes	No
Governance	Elected school board	Nonprofit board (appointed)
Curriculum Flexibility	Limited	More flexibility
Teacher Certification	Required	Required
State Testing	Required	Required
Special Education	Full FAPE required	Full FAPE required
Closure Risk	Very low	Higher if underperforming

How Charter Schools Were Created (Historical Reference)

The Application Process (When Open)

1. Notice of Intent: File with chosen authorizer (Commission or district)
2. Application Submission: Detailed proposal including:
   • Educational program and philosophy
   • Governance structure and board members
   • Fiscal management plan
   • Facilities plan
   • Student recruitment and enrollment strategy
   • Performance framework and accountability measures
3. Capacity Interview: Demonstrate organizational readiness
4. Approval: If approved, negotiate and sign charter contract
5. Certification: Obtain certificate from State Board of Education

Why the Cap Exists

Washington's charter school law included a cap of 40 schools and a limited authorization window as a compromise. This allowed charter schools while limiting their potential impact on traditional public schools. The Legislature would need to pass new legislation to extend the authorization window or increase the cap.

Current Status: Authorization Window Closed

For Families Considering Existing Charter Schools

If you're considering enrolling your child in an existing charter school:

• Research the specific school's educational approach and performance
• Visit the school and talk to administrators and teachers
• Review performance data and accountability reports
• Understand the enrollment process (typically lottery-based)
• Consider transportation options (not guaranteed like traditional schools)
• Review the school's stability and performance history
• Understand that charter schools cannot access local levy funding

Resources

• Washington State Charter School Commission: www.charterschool.wa.gov
• State Board of Education: sbe.wa.gov - Charter school oversight
• OSPI: www.k12.wa.us - Information on all public schools