Charter Schools are one of the fastest-growing movements in education. They are public, tuition-free, and non-religious, and are mandated to teach all students, not just the gifted or well-financed. Because charter schools are created by parents, educators and community leaders, they provide an attractive alternative to traditional public school classrooms.
What are the benefits to a charter school?
Charter schools create new professional opportunities for teachers, provide parents and pupils with expanded choices in the types of educational opportunities that are available within the public school system, and encourage the use of different and innovative teaching methods. Charter schools operate without bureaucratic red tape and regulation, and in turn, are held to higher standards for student achievement. Unlike a traditional public school, a charter school not meeting these high standards will not last, therefore, there is a communal motivation with charter schools to reach and maintain their goals.
Are charter schools the same as magnet schools?
Charter Schools are not magnet schools. Students don’t have to show special skills or pass specific tests for admission. However, charter schools may target certain enduring problems, developmental needs, or educational possibilities. They have specific organizing themes and educational philosophies. In the end, like magnet schools, students may be attracted by the educational idea and vision that guides the learning experience offered by the Charter.
Admission to LFCSA, like all charter schools, is determined by lottery.
Who pays for the school?
The school district pays the same average amount per student to the charter school, as they would if that child were attending their assigned district school.
Who designs the LFCSA curriculum?
Teachers and educators design our curriculum. We are a parent-, educator-, and community-initiated school, but parents are not involved with curriculum development. However, parent participation in all the other areas of the schoolÑfundraising, outreach, and communications will not only help to improve our school but secure its success.
For more information on what a charter school is, go to The California Charter Schools Association (CCSA) website, www.charterassociation.org.
Learn more about LFCSA, specifically, from the Los Feliz Charter School for the Arts Charter Petition. (LFCSA_Charter PDF)
