What is the Difference Between a Charter School and a Private School?

Alternative education is commonplace in today’s education industry.

There are a variety of options that parents have the opportunity to pick and choose from based on their child’s needs.

Two prominent options are charter and private schools.

Each option is advantageous! Nonetheless, parents often confuse charter and private schools for one another.

In this article, we are looking at charter school vs private school and what makes each option unique.

Charter School vs Private School: What’s the Difference?

Enrollment

To begin, let’s discuss enrollment and what a parent should know if they are considering charter or private school.

Charter School

To attend a charter school, a parent must enroll their child into the institution. In addition, charter school administrations are not allowed to reject children for learning or attention issues.

Nonetheless, there are a few particular charter school enrollment requirements that parents should know. For example, according to the Arizona State Legislature, a charter school is able to reserve capacity for students in special populations like descendants of school employees.

Private School

Likewise, parents must enroll their student in a private school to attend. Nonetheless, private institutions reserve the right to reject students for reasons other than learning and attention issues.

In addition, private schools are also allowed to reserve capacity for students in special populations.

Attendance

Before enrolling your student, contemplate these attendance facts about charter and private schools.

Charter School

Charter schools do not charge tuition.

In this case, charter schools are public institutions. They act independently of school districts. For this reason, charter schools receive funds from the state government and private institutions.

Private School

In comparison, there is a fee for attending a private school.

Private schools are private entities that act independently. Student’s tuition and private donations primarily fund private institutions. Despite this, scholarships make private institutions a viable option.

Legal Requirements

The legal requirements of each alternative education option are the biggest defining factor. Parents should scrutinize each option to determine which option fits your child’s needs.

Charter School

Charter schools are loosely regulated by local and state governments. In general, charter schools are required to meet state education requirements. In addition, schools are held accountable for each attending student’s success.

For example, charter schools in Arizona create engaging and intensive curriculum because of loose regulations. Nevertheless, charter school students participate in the AzMerit alongside their public school peers.

Private School

Again, private schools are private institutions. For this reason, state and federal laws do not regulate private schools.

To elaborate, private schools do not have to abide by the same educational standards as charter or public schools. Federal laws do not hold private schools accountable for students success.

Choose a School That’s Right For Your Child

With this information in mind, choose the right school for you and your family that will allow your child to thrive!

In addition, consider Academies of Math & Science (AMS).

AMS Charter is a premier charter school in Arizona that focuses primarily on STEM subjects.

Industry professionals teach an engaging and challenging curriculum to encourage personal growth and a passion for learning.

Fun extracurricular activities supplement intense STEM education to create well-rounded and free-thinking students.

What are you waiting for?

Enroll your student at AMS Charter or take a tour of their campuses!