California Charter School Fact Sheet

Charter schools are public schools that are responsive to students’ needs and are held accountable for improved student achievement.

Charter Schools…

• Are open to the public

• Are tuition-free

• Participate in state tests

• Employ credentialed teachers

 • Do not discriminate

Charter School Momentum

There are currently 750 charter schools serving 276,000 charter school students in California.

Over the past 10 years, California charter schools have consistently grown by an average of 50 schools a year.

Charter schools serve a mix of students similar to those in California’s traditional public schools.

Charter School Achievements

Research shows charter schools do a better job increasing student achievement than traditional public schools.

A recent analysis found that 12 of the 15 top performing public schools in California serving children in poverty are charter schools.

Over 506 charter schools in California are committed to standards and accountability through the Certified Charter Schools Program.

Charter school parents cited challenging curriculum and individualized student attention as key reasons for their high level of satisfaction according to a 2007 University of Southern California (USC) field study.