As you may have heard by now, there’s a new charter school in your area. Horizon Science Academy Davenport opened its doors this fall, giving the community access to high-quality education option.
However, there is a lot of conflicting information about what charter schools actually are and how they operate. As you consider what is the best path forward for your child, let’s cut through the noise and focus on what really matters: the cold hard facts. Here’s what you need to know (and unlearn) about charter schools.
FICTION: Charter Schools Are Private Institutions
One of the most common misconceptions about charter schools is that they are private schools with rigorous admissions processes. In reality, charters are public, tuition-free schools that aim to provide high-quality education for underserved communities. Just like traditional public schools, they receive local, state and federal funding.
Don’t take our word for it—even the Iowa Department of Education classifies charter schools as a “public school option” on its website.
FICTION: Traditional Public School Students Perform Better Than Charter School Students
One of the biggest myths around charter schools is they aren’t as effective as traditional public schools. This couldn’t be further from the truth as more data comes out in support of the charter model.
In its 10-year study comparing charters with traditional public schools, Stanford University’s Center for Research on Education Outcomes reported charter school students actually had stronger annual growth gains compared to their traditional public school peers (36% higher in both reading and math). Locally, having a charter school could be a boost. According to recent statewide assessments, about half of elementary students in Davenport are not proficient in reading (46%) and math (49%). Middle and high school students often perform even worse.
The results speak for themselves. Charter schools are effective and cover ground that traditional public schools don’t (including some currently in Davenport).
FICTION: Charter Schools Drain Resources From Traditional Public Schools
Another common myth is that when families choose a charter, the local district loses out. In reality, school funding follows the student—just as it does when a family moves to another district or enrolls in a magnet school.
Charters often operate with leaner budgets and lower administrative costs which directly puts more money into classrooms. Far from draining resources, they increase access to high-quality public education in communities that need it most.
FACT: Charter Schools Are Growing In Popularity
Across the board, families are starting to shift over to the charter school model. In fact, U.S. charter schools have seen a 12% increase in enrollment over the last five years. This isn’t a coincidence. It’s proven that a one-size-fits-all education doesn’t satisfy the individual needs of every classroom (especially as traditional public school classroom sizes continue to grow).
- Here are some other reasons why parents are turning to charters:
- Small class sizes
- Personalized class structure centered around needs of each classroom
- Located in areas that don’t have great public school options
- They are tuition-free, non-selective, and open to all students
As enrollment continues to decline in traditional public schools across the state, Horizon Science Academy Davenport wants to be a reliable educational staple of the community for years to come.
FACT: Charter Schools Are Held Accountable To High Standards
It’s often said that charters operate without oversight. In truth, they are among the most accountable public schools in America.
Charter schools must meet both state education standards and the performance goals outlined in their charter contracts. If they fail to deliver results, they can (and do) get shut down. This double layer of accountability means families can trust that charters are working to provide measurable results every single year.
At the end of the day, every parent wants what’s best for their child. Charter schools exist to expand those opportunities—offering choice, accountability and results. Don’t let misinformation cloud your decision. Look at the facts, consider your options and discover how a charter school could be the right fit for your family.
Interested in learning more about Davenport’s new charter school? Check out why Horizon Science Academy Davenport might just be the best fit for your family.