Where Does Charter School Funding Come From?

Every school needs funding to operate. Public schools receive money from the government, and private schools aggregate money from tuition, but where does charter school funding come from?

Is it taken from taxes or funded by the government, like public schools? Do they ask parents for money like private schools or find ways to raise money on their own? How do charter schools stay up-to-date and operational?

This article will answer those questions and explain everything you need to know about charter school funding!

A Comprehensive Guide About Charter School Funding and Where it Comes From

1. Government

The majority of charter school funds come from Federal and State Funding, just like public schools. However, unlike public schools, charter schools don’t have access to revenue from property taxes and bond measures. Instead, the state provides charter schools with additional assistance funds to make up for the loss of revenue. 

In addition, according to Education Commissions of the United States, Arizona charter schools are eligible for the following: 

Charter schools are eligible for results-based funding. Schools may receive funds at a rate of $250/student for schools with less than 60% of students eligible for free or reduced price lunches, or $400/student in schools where over 60% of enrolled students qualify for free or reduced price lunch provided the schools scored in the top 10% of all schools on statewide assessments.

2. Fundraisers 

Charter schools host regular fundraisers throughout the year. Often they will have an annual carnival, game night, raffle, or other school events. Some events may include the following:

• Children may sell things through a catalog, such as chocolates or popcorn.
• The school may ask for volunteers to host bake-sales or car washes.
• The school may enlist students to perform at holiday concerts or purchase tickets for dances.

All in all, charter schools get a lot of their funding through community involvement. The more involved the community, the more funds charter schools get for classroom supplies, field trips, updated facilities, and more.

3. Donations

Because charter schools are independently run, they often receive donations from the individuals who run the school or those in the community that support the school. In other words, many donations come from school board members, parents, or other community members. 

4. Grants

Grants are available for individual teachers or educational institutions that meet certain qualifications. Above all, the purpose of a grant is to improve the overall education experience for students. Charter school teachers will often apply for grants to purchase school supplies for the classroom. Likewise, schools use grants to purchase electronics for classrooms, update facilities, purchase classroom supplies, or improve educational programs. 

Find a Quality Charter School Near You!

With a student-centered attitude and a surplus of community involvement, charter schools have become the school of choice for many parents. However, you must find a quality charter school that will use their funds for what’s important: your child’s education.

Academies of Math and Science (AMS) outperform 93% of neighborhood schools in AzMERIT testing. In fact, this school is one of the highest performing schools in the state. Moreover, they maintain an A rating by the Arizona Department of Education. Moreover, Governor Doug Ducey calls AMS “not just one of the best schools in Arizona, but one of the best schools in the nation.”

Why is AMS such an amazing school? The advanced curriculum!

AMS utilizes STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education to stoke excitement and a love of learning. Not only do children receive an accelerated, well-rounded education, but students are also taught a variety of art, music, and sports subjects, including the following:

No matter what your child is interested in, AMS will cultivate those passions and turn them into skills. If your child is having trouble, free after-school tutorings are available in all subjects. Clearly, AMS is using its charter school funding in the right ways. So what are you waiting for? With nine locations in Arizona, there is sure to be one near you. Find a location near you and start the enrollment process today!