What is the Difference Between a Magnet and Charter School?

The education industry is fast evolving to accommodate a multitude of learning styles, academic preferences, and more. Today, there are so many different types of schools to choose from!

For parents navigating the world of education, the endless possibilities can be overwhelming! 

• What is the difference between a charter and private school? 
• What’s STEM, and does my child need to know it?
• Are there benefits to enrolling my child in early childhood education?
• What’s the difference between magnet and charter schools?

If you’ve asked yourself one—or more—of these questions, you are in the right place. In this article, we are diving deep into charter schools and determining how they differ from a magnet school. By the end, you should be able to decide on your child’s education confidently.

What is the Difference Between a Magnet and Charter School? Here’s the answer!

Public/Privately Run

One of the most significant differences between charter schools and magnet schools is their involvement in the local school district. 

Charter schools are public schools that are not included in local school districts. However, magnet schools are a part of the local school district. 

That means that all children in a local area are welcome in a magnet school. Moreover, like traditional public schools, magnet schools are accountable to the local school board as well as the state. 

On the other hand, charter schools are contracted directly with the state or local school board rather than with a local school district. Also, unlike magnet schools, charter schools are privately run.

Though charter schools are independently run while magnet schools are not, both are subject to government regulation. In other words, they must meet specific standards to remain open.

Funding

Because magnet schools are associated with the local school district, they are publicly funded. In other words, magnet schools are funded just like traditional public schools are, with state tax money. 

In comparison, charter schools get their funding from the government, fundraisers, and sometimes with independent funds. Moreover, the amount of funding charter schools receive greatly depends on the number of students enrolled. 

Teacher Certification

To be employed as a teacher in a magnet school, you must have state certification. However, in charter schools, teachers don’t necessarily have to be state-certified. 

However, this varies from state to state and school to school. Some states require teachers to be certified, while some don’t. Similarly, while the state may not require teachers to be certified in charter schools, some individual charter schools may still require it. 

For example, the state of Arizona does not require charter school teachers to be state-certified. However, some charter schools within Arizona may primarily seek out certified teachers. On the other hand, schools like Academies of Math and Science have each teacher pass a series of tests to ensure each teacher is equipped for the job.

Enrollment

To enroll in a charter school, you have to fill out an application and deliver it to the school. If applications surpass maximum capacity, the school will conduct a lottery to determine who can be enrolled. There is no entrance exam, nor any qualifications a child must meet to enroll in a charter school.

Most magnet schools operate the same way. However, some may require children to take an entrance exam, perform an audition of some sort, or attend an interview. Legally, neither school can discriminate against any applicants. 

Curriculum

Last but not least, we’re examining the curriculum that magnet and charter schools provide. 

So far, we’ve seen how magnet schools are very similar to traditional public schools. However, what makes magnet schools stand out is their unique curriculum. Every magnet school offers a particular academic focus in addition to the typical curriculum. 

Likewise, because charter schools are independent of school districts, charter schools have the opportunity to create a diverse curriculum to foster independent thinking and a love of learning.

To demonstrate, many magnet and charter schools have STEM programs, an emphasis on the arts, or even teach world languages.

Keep in mind that the curriculum varies from school to school. For this reason, it’s important to research academic results for each option to determine which is best for your child.

Find a Quality School Near You!

Now that you know all about what the difference between a magnet and charter school is, it’s time you choose the perfect school to send your child!

Academies of Math and Science (AMS) is a top charter school geared toward highly motivated students between the grades K-8. This A-rated school has a hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) program, interactive art and art classes, and a college prep program with advising. Additionally, after school sports clubs are available. 

Parents choose AMS because they have twenty years of experience in teaching advanced academics, providing individualized education, hiring dedicated teachers, and maintaining fully upgraded facilities. There is no better charter school in Arizona!

To schedule a campus tour, find a location near you!