What is a Charter School?

MAX is a not-for-profit Type 2 public charter school. Charter schools are elementary or secondary schools that receive public money but have been freed from some of the rules, regulations, and statutes that apply to other public schools in exchange for some type of accountability for producing certain results, which are set forth in each school’s charter.

While charter schools provide an alternative to other public schools, they are part of the public education system and are not allowed to charge tuition. Where space at a charter school is limited, admission is frequently allocated by lottery-based admissions. Some charter schools provide a curriculum that specializes in a certain field, e.g. arts, mathematics, etc. Others attempt to provide a better and more efficient general education than nearby public schools.

Some charter schools are founded by teachers, parents, or activists who feel restricted by traditional public schools. State-run charters (schools not affiliated with local school districts), which is the case with MAX, are often established by  non-profit groups, universities, or government entities.

MAX is a Type 2 charter school which receives funding from a general fund appropriation which flows through the State Department of Education.

For many students and parents, charter schools are providing quality options and raising the bar in public education. To learn more about charter schools, you can visit www.publiccharters.org.


10 Facts About Charter Schools

1.  Charter schools are independent public schools that are open to all students, regardless of income, gender, race, or religion.

2.  Charter schools are schools of choice that provide a high-quality options to families who are dissatisfied with their traditional district school.

3.  Charter schools exist under a contract with an authoritative public body, such as a state or local school board, that holds the charter school accountable for results.  The charter is a legal contract that outlines the school’s mission, programs, goals, students served, and ways to measure success.

4.  Charter schools run independently of traditional school districts; yet, since they are public schools, they are funded by taxpayer money. Charter schools have their own school boards.

5.  As self-governing entities, charter schools have the autonomy to make quick, effective changes to meet students’ specific needs, which helps improve student achievement.

6.  Charter schools hold students, teachers, and parents accountable for improving student achievement.

7.  Charter schools have the freedom to reward teachers with higher pay when the teachers have met the needs of their students. They also have the freedom to release those who do not.

8.  Fifty-eight percent (58%) of charter school students are minority, and fifty-two percent (52%) are eligible for free and reduced-price lunches.

9.  Charter schools can be created by parents, a team of teachers, a community organization, or a university.

10. Many charter schools are helping to close the achievement gap for low-income and minority students.
