Why Public Charter Schools Work
Public charter schools and authorizers value student growth and achievement most of all, just like Michigan families do.
We work hard to ensure the schools we authorize are preparing students with the 21st-century skills they need to succeed in a global economy.
Students in public charter schools are gaining faster and performing better than their traditional school district peers. This outcome is even more pronounced in Detroit.
Public charter schools are tuition free and open to every student. They are addressing the educational needs of communities across the state of Michigan.
Public charter schools provide opportunity for all.
More than 76 percent of students in Michigan public charter schools are eligible for free and reduced-price lunch, compared to a statewide average of 51 percent.
Around 67 percent of public charter students belong to racial or ethnic minorities, compared to a statewide average of 35 percent.
Public charter schools serve students with disabilities and English language learners. No student is turned away. Not one.
Public charter schools get bureaucracy out of the way to put students first.
Public charter schools are tuition free, open to every student, and full of state certified public school teachers.
Public charter schools receive significantly less funding per pupil than their traditional school counterparts —and they have to pay for their own facilities out of the operating dollars they do receive.
Authorizer leadership fosters school and student success.
Public charter school boards face more accountability than their traditional school counterparts because the authorizer is ever-present, asking questions and holding schools accountable for student performance.
MCCSA members have developed robust systems for overseeing and supporting public charter schools, including computer-adaptive testing models, automated compliance tools, and training programs for board members and administrators.
Public charter school boards oversee the operation and performance of their schools.
As public officials, public charter school board members are required to take the constitutional oath of office and are charged with making important determinations about contracts, budgets and policy.
Michigan authorizers have developed model tools, training programs and online resources to ensure board members are educated and prepared to make critical decisions.
Before they open, Michigan’s public charter schools undergo a rigorous application and review process designed to ensure a strong academic and legal framework.
Authorizers scrutinize all aspects of a school team’s proposed management and operational structure, contractual provisions, and program offerings to ensure compliance and freedom from conflicts of interest.
Michigan authorizers safeguard against conflicts of interest.
Michigan authorizers ensure and certify public charter school board member conflicts do not exist.