Choosing the appropriate educational environment is one of a parent’s most important decisions, and today the choices are broader than ever. Not only are there the neighborhood public schools and more exclusive private schools, but charter schools have also grown rapidly across the country over the last 15 years. Charter schools are technically public schools run by independent organizations, usually nonprofits, and offer some unique programs and environments that are very appealing to families. Here are some of the benefits of charter schools.

Autonomy

The leaders of charter schools have a great deal of freedom in hiring, curriculum, school calendar, budgeting, school programming, and professional development. They are free from the constraints of district policies, which allows them true autonomy in making school decisions for the best interest of their specific student population.

Choice

Neighborhood public schools usually rely on the standard one-size-fits-all school model. However, because charters are schools of choice, school leaders can create institutions with unique educational models. All children learn differently and come from a variety of backgrounds, interests, and environments. The multitude of learning environments offered by charter schools allow parents to select the school that is best aligned to the needs of their family.

Community Involvement

One of the great benefits of charter schools is the level of community participation that is involved in creating an effective educational environment. By participating in community activities, children increase their social skills and confidence levels. Families are able to take advantage of rich cultural offerings through events and activities provided by charter schools that don’t exist to the same extent in the public school system.

Innovative Teaching

Charter schools are generally able to implement their own specific standards, determine the assessments of their students, and implement courses and activities for their population. They have the freedom and flexibility to adopt innovative curriculums and, without the red tape that bogs down traditional public schools, they can make swift changes when something doesn’t work.

Diversity

Most charter schools draw students from a wider geographical area than traditional public schools, resulting in a more diverse student population. In addition, the lack of district constraints allows for a curriculum based on diverse themes with current, culturally sensitive topics based on the values espoused by the charter school and its operating organization. 

Individualized Options

Perhaps the biggest advantage of charter school education is the individualized attention afforded to their students. Charter schools generally have lower enrollment, allowing for more one-on-one and small-group settings than a larger public school. Parents and volunteers are also utilized frequently at charter schools to enhance these tailored learning opportunities.

Charter schools offer parents the choice of an educational setting outside the norm that can offer students a flexible, individualized, cutting-edge education in a diverse and supportive environment.

About PGUI 

Professional Governmental Underwriters, Inc., is a full-service risk management company dedicated to assisting public, educational and non-profit entities in the management of their professional liability exposures, including educators liability insurance. We are dedicated to providing state-of-the-art professional underwriting management and loss control advisory services on behalf of our designated carriers. For more information, call us toll-free at (800) 586-6502.