Charter schools (Houston: house, neighborhood, school districts)

[rubynicholson77056]

Can anyone tell me if there are any advantages to sending your kids to charter schools?

[houston-nomad]

If the charter school is better than your neighborhood school, that would be an obvious advantage.

[phaze]

People will think your kids are smart.

[MommiePreMed]

I don't think so.

All public schools/charter schools have to teach a curriculum that is mandated by the state. If you feel as if the education that is mandated by the state is acceptable and the charter school produces results that surpass those of your zoned school then you might think that there is an advantage.

I don't feel as if TAKS is an accurate measure of academic success, so no matter what test scores charter schools post I am skeptical as to the academic abilities of the enrolled students.

[rubynicholson77056]

Originally Posted by MommiePreMed

I don't think so.

All public schools/charter schools have to teach a curriculum that is mandated by the state. If you feel as if the education that is mandated by the state is acceptable and the charter school produces results that surpass those of your zoned school then you might think that there is an advantage.

I don't feel as if TAKS is an accurate measure of academic success, so no matter what test scores charter schools post I am skeptical as to the academic abilities of the enrolled students.

Is there a difference between the type of state mandated tests public school students take versus charter school students? Sorry...new to the Texas school guidelines. I mainly hear that the class sizes and charter schools themselves are a lot smaller compared to the average public school.

[MommiePreMed]

Charters schools are generally smaller and boast smaller than average class sizes. They also often have fewer activites because of their small size. Charter schools are goverened by a board, that is goverened by the state board of education. Charter schools are supported by state and federal tax dollars and have to adhere to many of the same educational guidelines as public schools but they often have more freedom with implementing those guidelines.

Schools like Kipp and Yes are able to produce above average results by offering extended school days, required summer school and other similar tactics. In short, they demand more of their students. Many but not all regular public schools don't expect much, if any accomplishments from their students.

Not all charter schools are even average. Do your homework and shy away from schools who truly claim more than they can prove.

[buffy888]

Originally Posted by rubynicholson77056

Is there a difference between the type of state mandated tests public school students take versus charter school students? Sorry...new to the Texas school guidelines. I mainly hear that the class sizes and charter schools themselves are a lot smaller compared to the average public school.

No, both public school and charter school students must take (and pass, depending on their grade level) the same TAKS tests. Private school students do not.

There may be an advantage to a charter school depending on the other school choices in your area. As mentioned, students at schools such as KIPP do seem to perform well because of longer hours on regular school days, 2 Saturdays a month of school, plus a bit of time in school in the summer. They are also known for their various field experiences (not just typical field trips), plus there is somewhat more support of the school from the parents (and many of the students actually WANT to be there). Most, but not all, of KIPP students are from low-income households. Not all charter schools are created equal, however, and some of them do not seem to perform at the same level as public schools. Much research is needed before determining if a charter school is right for your child.

Many public school districts offer magnet schools, so this may also be an option if your child has a special interest and/or talent in a specific subject area.

[mikehtown]

I would seriously look at magnet or charter school if my house weren't zoned to a group of high performing schools. YES Prep and KIPP provide a great opportunity for kids in Houston. You know your kid will have a solid shot of graduating from college after getting through high school there. I've had some exposure to both charter schools and have been very impressed.

And no, schools are not all the same because they teach the same objectives. The quality of education varies wildly.