Should I Send My Kid to a Charter School?

Charter Schools

You may be wondering what a charter school is.  Charter schools are public schools that have more flexibility than traditional public schools.

Some charter schools cater to specific groups of students, such as high school drop outs, gifted and talented, or those with a specific focus, such as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

Charter schools also can offer extended hours of instruction, or even offer class on weekends or over the summer.

Charter schools are publicly funded by federal, state, and local tax money, and they are held accountable to federal and state standards.  They do not charge tuition and are not allowed to discriminate.

Is a Charter School Right for My Child?

That will ultimately depend on your child, the charter school, and your goals. If a charter school in your area offers a program your child will benefit from, it would likely be a great choice.  There are some charter schools that are academically unacceptable, but that is also the case for some traditional public schools.


To determine if you should send your child to a specific charter school, look up online rankings or reviews of the school.  In addition, talk to parents of children that attend the school.   You should also ask the school if you can take a tour or observe some classes.  Get a feel for the campus and the environment.   If possible, talk to some administrators and teachers and ask them some questions about the campus.

Charter Schools in Texas

Texas has many excellent charter schools.  Unfortunately, there are also some that are not meeting the standards.


The state legislature recently passed allowing the state to shut down failing charter schools after three years.  In the past it took four years.  As long as Governor Perry does not veto the bill, it will take effect.

There will likely be a lot more charter schools in Texas in the near future.  Currently the maximum number of charter school operators allowed by law is 215.  Under the bill previously mentioned,  the number allowed by law will increase gradually, until 2019 when it will reach 305.  Each charter school operator may direct more than one campus. 

For more information, visit the Texas Charter Schools Association website.