Schools- charter/others- what are they? (neighborhood, magnet schools, college)

[getmeoutofnj]

I might sound like an idiot, but I dont really understand what a charter or a magnet school is. What are they? How do your kids qualify to enter them? Are they better than regular public schools?

While researching a couple of interesting schools stood out to me and I have no idea what they are! Can someone explain this to me?

-School of Environmental Learning
-Cabarrus Opportunity school
-Performance Learning
-Carolina International school

Thanks.

[warden]

Originally Posted by getmeoutofnj

I might sound like an idiot, but I dont really understand what a charter or a magnet school is. What are they? How do your kids qualify to enter them? Are they better than regular public schools?

While researching a couple of interesting schools stood out to me and I have no idea what they are! Can someone explain this to me?

-School of Environmental Learning
-Cabarrus Opportunity school
-Performance Learning
-Carolina International school

Thanks.

I can only answer part of your question since I am not familiar with the schools you listed. Here in Maryland and I suspect in most states, charter schools are still part of the school system but are run by an independent board consisting of parents and educators. Parents have a more active role in the type of instruction and the path the school focuses on. We have one in our neighborhood that is actually pretty good (still in B-more).

Magnet schools specialize in the arts, sciences, technology, etc. So if your child shows a special skill it can be addressed in a magnet school. Normally some type of testing is required for a magnet school as they are very competitive (at least here they are). Magnet schools are also part of the public school system here.

I hope this helps. Good luck with the rest of your questions.

[DawnW]

Each charter and each magnet will have different requirements for eligibility.

For example, there is a magnet in Union County that is for students whose parents did not attend college but these students have shown great promise in attending college themselves.

There is another charter school here that is pure lottery system. You apply and they draw names out of a hat!

So, it varies greatly.

Dawn

[getmeoutofnj]

Thanks.
Im somewhat worried abt overcrowding and re-zoning things.