Do Charter Schools Hurt Traditional Public Schools?

Alternative education is commonplace in today’s education system.

In effect, there are numerous settings for students to thrive amongst their peers and learn in a way that best suits their learning abilities.

Nonetheless, a common concern for parents fond of traditional education is the effect that alternative schools, namely charter schools, have on public schools.

In this article, we will answer the question ‘Do charter schools hurt traditional public schools?’

Charter Schools VS. Traditional Public Schools

In order to understand where the conception that charter schools hurt traditional schools, it is valuable to look at each school’s structure and funding.

Traditional Public Schools

Traditional public schools are schools that are fixed in school districts and must educational standards set by the state board of education.

Curriculum

The curriculum at traditional public schools is predetermined by the state board of education. Even more, educational requirements are implemented by each school’s governing school district.

With this information in mind, there is not much room to innovate curriculum that piques students interest.

Funding

Traditional public schools are partially funded through state budget funding. Nonetheless, traditional schools primarily receive funding through local taxes.

In this case, many traditional public schools have limited resources because of limited capital.

Public Charter Schools

Charter schools are public schools that are independent of school districts through contracts with state or local boards.

Curriculum

Because charter schools are independent of school district, they are granted the freedom to create a curriculum that coincides with their mission and values.

Nonetheless, some states, like Arizona, require students at public charter schools to participate in state standardized tests.

Funding

Charter schools are funded on a per-pupil basis with government funds. In addition, charter schools may receive funds from private entities.

With the promise of gratuitous state and private funding, charter schools are able to operate freely without constraint.

Do Charter Schools Hurt Traditional Public Schools?

There are many reasons why one might believe that charter schools hurt traditional public schools. Nevertheless, one argument is repeatedly contested.

Funding is a major point of contention between traditional and charter schools. To elaborate, both compete for state funding.

Nonetheless, the Arizona Joint Legislative Budget Committee found that public a charter school student receive $951 less in funding than a student in a traditional public school.

Put plainly, public schools continue to receive more funding than charter schools.

For this argument, no, charter schools do not hurt traditional public schools.

However, they do challenge them with advanced curriculum, and advantageous extracurricular activities!

Choose A School That’s Right For Your Child

Whether you enjoy the traditional public school system or prefer charter schools, it is important to choose the school that is appropriate for your young scholar.

Consider the Academies of Math & Science—or AMS Charter.

AMS Charter is a charter school in Arizona with several campuses across the Valley.

Students are encouraged to achieve their best selves with rigorous STEM education that challenges them to a higher level of thinking.

In addition, students participate in a variety of extracurricular activities like spelling club, choir club, and more!

Take your child’s education to the next level at AMS Charter! Enroll your student at AMS Charter, or take a tour of one of our many campuses across Arizona.