Charter SchoolsAcademic Excellence :

Charter schools are independent public schools of choice for parents and students.  The first charter school in the nation opened in Minnesota in 1992, and charter schools continue to be a popular choice for student seeking an alternative to traditional public schools.  Teachers, parents and others begin charter schools when they see an educational need and want to design a school to meet it.  Only the number of students that the charter school can serve limits admission to a charter school.  Since charter schools tend to be smaller schools, many of the schools have waiting lists each year.  Currently there are 102 charter schools in operation serving 19,000 students in Minnesota.  It is anticipated twenty-three schools will open in the fall of 2005 and twelve charter schools have already been approved to open in the fall of 2006.

Although each charter school offers a unique education program, students can expect quality education based on results.  Charter schools employ licensed teachers, offer services to special needs students and require students to take state and national tests to assure academic accountability.  Parents may contact charter schools directly to find out about the type of programs that are offered and to enroll their students in charter school programs that match the interests and needs of the students.  Charter schools do not charge tuition, and there are no admission requirements to enroll students in charter schools.  New charter schools with exciting programs open their doors to students every year in Minnesota, making charter schools a leading choice for students who are seeking an option to traditional public schools.

Click here for Profiles of Minnesota charter schools published by the University of Minnesota’s Center for School Change.