Control of Charter Schools in Florida
Charter schools are created when an applicant’s charter is approved. Charter schools are accountable to a Sponsor, usually the local school district. Charter schools are more flexible than traditional public schools. A charter school’s Board of Directors oversees the school. Charter schools receive operating funds through the FEFP based on enrollment. An eligible charter school receives funds based on enrollment. The Charter Schools Office oversees local charter schools. Charter school enrollment has increased despite the pandemic. High-performing charter schools meet criteria like financial stability and student achievement. The mission is to ensure charter schools serve students effectively. When a public school converts, enrollment preference goes to previous students. Charter schools have more flexibility with curriculum and staffing. Charter schools must follow regulations like traditional schools.
Regulations and Oversight
Federal law states Charter School Program grant funding is restricted to nonprofit charter school organizations. Federal and state laws also require transparency and oversight of charter school finances.
School Operations and Funding
- Charter schools receive public funds based on enrollment, similar to traditional public schools. However, charter schools are exempt from many state laws and district policies. This flexibility allows them to innovate in areas like curriculum, budgeting, and staffing.
Charter schools are accountable to a Sponsor, usually the local school district. The mission is to ensure charter schools serve students effectively. High-performing charter schools meet criteria like financial stability and student achievement. District boards sponsor charter schools.
Academic Performance and Demographics
In Florida, charter schools tend to perform better on state exams compared to traditional public schools. However, traditional public schools serve higher percentages of students in poverty. Research on academic outcomes is mixed – some studies show charters outperforming traditional public schools, while others show the opposite. Controlling for student demographics is an important factor.