WHAT IS A CHARTER SCHOOL?

In short charter is a public private school.

  • A charter school is an independently run public school granted greater flexibility in its operations, in return for greater accountability for performance. The “charter” establishing each school is a performance contract detailing the school’s mission, program, students served, performance goals, and methods of assessment.

  • No, charter schools are public schools that receive public funds. They cannot charge tuition for the regular school day. They may charge fees for before and/or after school care.

  • Charter schools are public schools of choice, meaning that families choose them for their children. They operate with freedom from some of the regulations that are imposed upon district schools. Charter schools are accountable for academic results and for upholding the promises made in their charters.

  • No. Charter schools can vary a great deal in their design and in their results. Uncommon Schools creates schools based on the principles and practices that have proven successful in producing significant academic gains at high-performing urban charter public schools across the country.

  • Nationwide, students in charter schools have similar demographic characteristics to students in the local public schools. In some states, charter schools serve significantly higher percentages of minority or low-income students than the traditional public schools.

  • Complete the online Pre-Enrollment Application form or visit us directly at the following temporary application acceptance address:

    Address:
    9768 Warren H Abernathy Hwy,
    Spartanburg, SC 29301

    Office hours: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm.

  • South Carolina charter schools are public schools created to provide families with additional educational choices while encouraging innovation, flexibility, and accountability. Under the South Carolina Charter Schools Act, charter schools are intended to:

    • Improve student learning

    • Increase learning opportunities for students

    • Encourage a variety of productive teaching methods

    • Establish new forms of accountability for schools

    • Create new professional opportunities for teachers

    • Help South Carolina achieve academic excellence

    • Create innovative and flexible ways of educating students within the public school system, including efforts to close achievement gaps

    South Carolina law also emphasizes educational improvement, academic excellence, innovation, and greater flexibility within the public school system.

  • Students enrolled in a charter school must be funded as if they are enrolled in a basic program or a special program at any other public school in the school district. Each charter school must report its student enrollment to the school district and the school district must include each charter school’s student enrollment in school district’s report of student enrollment that is submitted to the state.