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Q: What is a charter school?
A: Charter schools are K-12 public schools started by parents, teachers, and/or community members who apply to the Minnesota Department of Education for a "charter," which defines the school's specific mission and goals, and how these goals will be measured. Charter schools are accountable to their sponsors, parents and families, the state, and the public for achieving measurable results in student achievement and for implementing fiscally sound management. Sponsors of charter schools vary widely but are often charitable or service organizations, local school districts, or post-secondary institutions. Charter schools are extremely diverse in their focuses. From project-based high schools to arts-intensive schools to online learning and technology-focused schools, the missions of charter schools in Minnesota vary widely. Since charter schools are public schools, they are open to anyone, free of charge.
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Q: What is the difference between a charter school and other public schools?
A: Charter schools are site-based managed, meaning that parents, teachers, and local community members choose the people who govern the operation of the school. Charter schools elect their own school boards to oversee all aspects of the school's mission, goals, and operations. The autonomy charter schools enjoy creates an environment where creativity and innovation in teaching and learning flourish. In addition, charter schools often have a particular approach to education or focus for their programs that differentiate them from other schools. For example, some charter schools focus on experiential learning, or Core Knowledge, or project-based learning, or immersion education. Often, charter schools are smaller than neighboring schools offering smaller class sizes and lower student to teacher ratios.
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Q: How are charter schools doing in Minnesota?
A: The charter school sector in Minnesota continues to grow. In the fall of 2004, nearly 17,000 students in Minnesota will attend 105 charter schools. As charter schools continue to succeed in serving students and families who seek innovative, unique, and creative environments for teaching and learning, the charter school sector will continue to grow. The Minnesota Department of Education has released a report card for every public school in the state outlining a school's performance in academic achievement, school safety, student participation, parent satisfaction, and overall financial management.
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Q: Do charter schools have admissions policies?
A: Charter schools are public schools and are, therefore, bound by public law that defines public school admission policies as nonsectarian, nondiscriminatory, and tuition free. Charter schools are open to all students free of charge.
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Q: How are charter schools funded?
A: Charter schools are funded by the State of Minnesota on a per-pupil rate. In addition, charter schools receive state support for their facilities expenses because they cannot issue bonds or raise taxes through levies like other school districts. Charter schools are eligible for supplemental funding during their first three years of operation by federal charter school start-up funding. In addition, many charter schools qualify for federal title funding.
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