There are nearly two million children enrolled in charter schools. These independent schools are changing the game of public education, offering unique instruction and quality education to any student. More parents are interested in charter schools than ever before—and here are eight of the schools they’re looking at.
Renaissance Charter School
The Renaissance Charter School was founded in 1993 from a collaboration between teachers and parents. Renaissance’s mission was revolutionary at the time: these teachers wanted to build a diverse community where students can be supported from kindergarten to their senior year. This New York City charter school has about 565 students enrolled in pre-k through 12th grade, and new admissions are taken from a wait-list.
Agora Cyber Charter School
As the name implies, the Agora Cyber Charter School integrates online and live learning. Students are given a tailor-made learning plan and a laptop, scanning printer, and headset to work on. Classes are conducted online, but there are plenty of events held at the physical location in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Agora is a for-profit charter school, and after recent controversy, the cyber school broke from its management company, K12 Inc.
Collegium Charter School
Collegium Charter School was established in Exton, Pennsylvania in 1999. The modest student body of 39 has grown since Collegium opened its doors; the Exton school is expecting 2,650 students in the 2015-2016 school year. In addition to having a college prep curriculum, Collegium boasts a broad selection of extracurriculars for their students to enjoy. Although many charter schools operate under their own school district (or in tandem with the local public school district), Collegium is overseen by a board of trustees. Their board is unaffiliated with any school district, government, or for-profit organizations.
Mastery Charter Schools
Mastery Charter Schools manages 17 charter public schools in Philadelphia and Camden, New Jersey. Their first school, the 7-12 Brook J. Lenfest Campus, opened in 2001. They specialize in three different school models: traditional charter schools, turnaround schools, and renaissance schools. Their “Turnaround Initiative” transformed underperforming middle schools by introducing new staff and curricula, and their “Renaissance Initiative” revitalizes the lowest performing schools in Philadelphia.
Granada Hills Charter High School
Granada Hills High School was originally established as a normal public school in the Los Angeles Unified School District. On July 1st, 2003, Granada Hills was converted to a charter school with a student population of over 4,200 and a waitlist of 2,000. This California school holds the distinction of being the largest charter school in the United States. Unlike the other schools on this list, Granada Hills is located within a public school district and must give admission preference to students who would’ve been assigned to the charter school. Aside from those students, anyone can apply, regardless of location.
Newark Charter School
The first Newark Charter School opened in September 2001, and served 5th through 7th graders in Newark, Delaware. Some charter schools start with a handful of students, but Newark Charter School’s inaugural year had an enrollment of 435 students! The intermediate school expanded over time, eventually adding more grades and outgrowing the temporary campus of trailers. Today, there is a Newark Charter Primary School, Intermediate School, and Junior-Senior High School. In 2010, the U.S. Department of Education named the Newark Charter School a Blue Ribbon School for Academic Excellence—the highest honor for schools in our country.
The Villages Charter School
The Village Charter School is located in The Villages, Florida, and began as an elementary school. Since opening its doors in 2000, a middle school and high school have been added. The Villages Charter Schools had nearly 3,000 students in the 2014-2015 school year, and with the addition of the “Little Buffalo Learning Center” for 1-year-olds and 2-year-olds, the student body is expected to grow. In 2006, the Villages High School implemented five academies, each with an emphasis in the following areas: entrepreneurship, communications, health occupations, engineering, and advanced placement.
Charter Schools USA
Charter Schools USA is one of the most established charter school management companies – with its headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, CSUSA manages 42 schools in the sunshine state and a total of 70 across the U.S. CSUSA oversees all aspects of marketing, teacher requirement, financial management, and more. The schools themselves operate under the standards. All CSUSA schools are tuition-free, provide targeted instruction for each student, and require parental involvement.
