About Charter Schools

History: In 1993, Massachusetts passed the Education Reform Act allowing charter schools to be developed in the state. The charter school initiative was established to offer choice, to stimulate innovation and to stress accountability for student achievement.  In Fall of 1995, the first Massachusetts charter schools opened their doors and today there are over 40 charter schools in the state. 

Overview: Charter schools are tuition-free public schools that operate independent of any school committee. They are governed by a Board of Trustees that is responsible for holding the school accountable to its mission.

Charter schools may be started by parents, teachers community groups and social service organizations, among others. They are required to comply with state academic frameworks and almost all state and federal laws and regulations but are exempt from local district policies and union contracts. This freedom allows charter schools to focus on their vision and mission and make changes quickly in the design and program of their schools to enable high levels of student achievement. This greater flexibility comes with the price of high accountability. Charter schools are perhaps the most scrutinized public schools in Massachusetts.

Visit these Charter School and Education Reform web sites for more information:

MA Dept. of Education Charter School site www.doe.mass.edu/charter

Center for Educational Reform www.edreform.com

U.S. Dept of Education-backed site www.uscharterschools.org

Massachusetts Charter School Association www.masscharterschools.org

National Charter Schools Development www.nationalcharterschools.org

Center for Policy Studies, St. Paul MN www.charterfriends.org        

 

Charter School Quick Facts Every child who applies is placed on the enrollment list; no one can be given preference except residents of the district(s) that the school serves and siblings of already enrolled students. If the number of children who apply to a charter school is greater than the number of openings, a public lottery must be held using an impartial individual to draw names for enrollment. Charter schools do NOT charge any tuition. Charter schools provide parents with an option. Charter schools must address the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and administer MCAS tests. Charter schools must employ teachers who are MA Certified or have passed the MA test for Educator Licensure. Charter schools are funded by per pupil state-reimbursed funds from the sending district, as well as fundraising and grants. Charter schools are governed by a Board of Trustees. Charter schools are held accountable to the Massachusetts Department of Education (DOE) based on developed objectives and school performance goals. The DOE requires an annual report, holds annual site visits and conducts a comprehensive 5-year evaluation for charter renewal.