Don¹t assume about charter schools

EDITOR:

Have you ever wondered what a charter school was all about? I was always

under the assumption that charter schools were for troubled kids and

delinquents. I never really put much thought into checking one out until

recently when my son really needed some help with his schooling. I did some

research and realized that I had assumed wrong and I now feel the need to

share the information I found.

The first charter school idea was originated by Ray Budd, a professor from

the University of Massachusetts in the late 1980¹s. In St. Paul, MN, the

first charter school opened in 1992. As of 2009, there were over 5,000

charter schools in the U.S. More than 1.5 million children attended more

than 5,000 charter schools in the District of Columbia and in 39 states.

Charter schools are one of the fastest and most prosperous reforms in the

country.

Charter schools offer a wide variety of learning methods from being more

musically inclined or more hands-on and project based. It can help provide a

more personal atmosphere for children, along with being flexible to your

child¹s educational needs. According to The Center for Education Reform.

³Some charter school programs focus on the basics reading, writing and the

traditional school subjects that some children struggle with. Other schools

have special arts or music programs. Some charters look just like other

public schools. There also are dropout prevention programs, adult education

programs, charters that serve Head Start and day care needs, and charters

that work with children who want to go to college.²

I, as a parent, have noticed a significant change in my son¹s grades,

attitude, and general outlook on life. After meeting and discussing with

several local parents of students enrolled in Sierra Crest Academy, I have

learned that many kids from different stages in life have had similar

results while being enrolled in a charter school. I feel that every

community should have an alternative for their child¹s education, and

charter schools offer that opportunity. I¹ve seen the results of the charter

school first hand and I recommend any parent who feels that their child

needs a more hands on experience to check out their local charter schools.

Information obtained through the Center for Educational Reform and Wikipeda.