Are Charter Schools Public Schools? Spoiler Alert: Yes

Charter Schools are free, public, and open to all. These unique public schools are independently-operated under a contract with a charter school authorizer. Examples of authorizers include, non-profit organizations, government agencies, and/or universities. Charter school authorizers hold schools accountable based on the standards outlined in their “charter.” The public charter school model gives educators the autonomy to design classrooms focused on students’ needs. In this episode, David Griffith, Associate Director of Research at the Thomas B. Fordham discussed common misconceptions around charter schools.

Guest
David Griffith
Associate Director of Research at the Thomas B. Fordham
Think Again: Do charter schools drain resources from traditional public schools?

Episode Takeaways:

• Charter schools are free, public, and open to all.
• Research indicates parents want high-quality public-school options.
• Charter schools are held accountable.
• Charter schools are fundamental to the composition of the public education system.

Quotes

“We want a safe place with passionate educators and a supportive community." - David Griffith

"No single source has all the answers, but combining information with personal site visits is key."- David Griffith

"Parental choice is crucial. If the current environment isn't working, find a better fit for your child."- David Griffith

Chapters
00:06 – Introduction
01:05 - From Promising to Scalable Solutions for Achievement Gaps
02:40 - Bridging the Knowledge Gap for Average Americans
04:59 - Understanding the Impact of Charter Schools on Traditional Public Schools
08:51 - Driving Educational Progress through Charter Schools
10:14 - Fostering Excellence through Healthy Educational Competition
11:44 - Parental Choice and Regulatory Oversight
14:56 - Challenges Faced by Charter Schools in an Era of Polarization
16:11 - Empowering Change through Education and Advocacy
17:31 - The Importance of Like-Minded Families in Our School Search
19:14 - Balancing Data and Personal Experiences in School Selection
20:35 - Conclusion