What is a Charter School?
Charter schools were created to:
- Increase opportunities for learning and access to quality education for all students
- Create choice for parents and students within the public school system
- Provide a system of accountability for results in public education
- Encourage innovative teaching practices
- Create new professional opportunities for teachers
- Encourage community and parent involvement in public education
- Leverage improved public education broadly
What is a charter school?
Charter schools are public schools of choice. They are nonsectarian, do not charge tuition, and operate under the terms of a "charter" that sets forth the school's mission, program, goals, and ways to measure success. In California, charters are granted by local school districts for an initial period of up to 5 years, after which they may be renewed. Charter schools are financed directly by the state and exercise increased autonomy in return for accountability in both academic results and fiscal practices.
How are charters different from other public schools?
Charters have autonomy in three key areas: curriculum development, financial management, and staffing. Creekside Cooperative Charter School is governed by the Governance Council and is answerable directly to the Newcastle Elementary School District Board. While CCCS is free to create its own curriculum, it is also measured by the same state standards and student testing as all California public schools. Our education specialists are not members of a union, but they are all state certified and are highly qualified.
How are charters funded?
Charter schools receive the same per pupil state funding that other public schools receive. In addition to this funding, we strive to augment this revenue with fundraising and grants.
How do students and families enroll in a charter school?
Charters are open to all and offer spaces at random through an independent admissions lottery. To learn more about enrollment, please visit the Enrollment page.
For more information on charter schools, please visit the Charter Schools Development Center and California Charter Schools Association.
