Charter Schools - Uniontown,PA

There might be differences but in my experience charter schools tend to be smaller, they have less resources for special needs like the other poster said. I suppose if you like the fact that they focus on one specific area, like a science charter school or somethign that would be a plus, but in my opinion they seem to be stuck in the world of not giving you the full benefits of a public school and not giving you the full benefits of a private school. You supposedly get a private school type education for a public school price (ie free) but in order for it to be free you give up what makes it private and the school must follow a lot of the regulations that a private school can get around. I'm a fan of public schools, but we are fortunate to live in an area where our public schools are awesome.

Hi L., My daughter from K-4 went to a Charter School. She struggled with ADD (didn't know it at the time). I liked the Charter simply because it was smaller than the public school and I felt like more one on one with the kids. (but I didnt know any different since I didn't have any other kids in school!!) After my dtr was diagnosed, I had SERIOUS issues getting the school on board with meeting her needs and helping her. It ended up that I moved her and my son (he only did K at the Charter) to a public school across the street last year. The last 2 semesters, my daughter has been on the Principles List (straight A's). At the Charter she was all over the place, but mostly B's, C's and D's, with F's here and there. My point is, this Charter wasn't very good and as a parent I think you really need to be involved so you know the teacher, principle, etc. I think all schools are different from each other, there are good and bad of both. If there is one you are considering, look at the website and post it on here locally and see if you can get any parent feedback. Good luck!!!

charter schools can be a neat alternative to traditional public school, but they're NOT homeschooling. and like public schools, they vary widely. they have advantages in that they often have a focus, they have smaller classes, and greater parental involvement. but you have to check them out carefully to make sure that their focus and philosophy are compatible with yours.
some of them do allow some crossover, ie if you homeschool you may be able to sign your kid up for some classes there. that's a neat option.
khairete
S.

They are not similar to homeschooling. Charter schools fit in a niche between private and public schools. They are funded with public money (except for their facilities) and they are an alternative to the regular public schools system. Where I live they only take a limited number of students and ours don't start until 6th grade. It is kind of like applying to college: you fill out the application, get recommendations from your teachers and principal, must have good grades and can't have any discipline problems. You are "accepted" based on their criteria. We love our school district so would never consider a charter school. From what I've heard most choose the charter school option when they live in an area where the public schools are less than stellar.