Charter School What the heck is it ?!?!

The Charter School concept is quickly gaining popularity in Duval County.  But what the HECK is it exactly?!

Here is how the Duval County School Board describes it:
Charter schools are public schools that operate on a performance contract, or “charter,” with the Duval County School Board and are intended to expand school choice options for students. Charter schools are freed from many of the regulations that govern traditional public schools, but they are held accountable for academic and financial results. Charter schools must hire certified teachers, and they are evaluated and assigned a school grade using the same standards and criteria as traditional public schools.

So What are the real differences between the two?  During my research, I found that these were the main questions I sought to answer:

*** Curriculum***

The most important question I had was about the curriculum.  Let's face it, everyone that has a child attending public school HATES common core! So do charter schools teach Common Core or NOT? I had a difficult time getting a straight answer.  

When you go to Duval Charter School's website the explanation is as follows:

      "Our Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum is aligned to specific Common Core State                   Standards and is the framework of what is taught at each grade level."

I interpreted that as, YES they do follow common core curriculum.  However, when I called the school for clarification, they told me that they DO NOT.  That they follow "state guidelines".  Smells  like they found a loop hole to me!  I love loop holes, as long as no one ends up pulling them closed.

 

Basically charter schools do use common core framework but implement it with their digression, while touching on bases required to meet state standards.  Also, according to a teacher friend of mine, a lot of the controversial materials that are being used in traditional public schools are absent in the charter school.

My research lead me to believe that basically charter schools claim to take a more traditional approach to curriculum and to private school feel without the private school price.  Are charter schools better than traditional public schools?  Probably not, but that really depends completely upon personal beliefs and preferences.