Massachusetts charter schools were authorized by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' Education Reform Act of 1993. They are public schools, free and open to all. They all admit students by a random lottery process.
To open a charter school, a team writes a detailed proposal and submits it to the Massachusetts Department of Education. Most applications are rejected. The best are approved. Every five years a charter school must go through a renewal process where it must demonstrate good results standardized tests, fiscal responsibility and a dedication to its mission or risk losing its charter. All 14 Boston charter schools are non-profit.
In exchange for such a high level of accountability, charters have more flexibility than other public schools. They may hire, coach, reward (and occasionally fire) teachers with few restrictions. They may (and most do) choose a longer school day and a longer school year. Often there is a dress code. Most charter schools in Boston choose to be small schools, with heavy emphasis on parent communication and college readiness.
By operating with an independent, clear mission charters give parents from all walks of life an option to decide what type of school is best for their child. In this spirit, we asked a few parents from Boston "why do you choose a charter school?" Here's what they said.
For more parent testimony see the video on our homepage.
One day, reading with my daughters, I realized they weren’t reading at all – but just reading my lips and pronouncing the words.
I am one of the fortunate people whose daughters were selected to attend a charter school, where they have improved. It seems that they not only understand what my children need but what I need to support them. The schoolwork is very challenging.
In December of 2005 we were blessed to receive a lottery home. As a new homeowner and single dad these programs are a great help for me.
Paul Robinson, Sr., Dorchester
My son was diagnosed as having a language dyslexia in the 3rd grade. He was tested as being marginally mentally retarded.
In 9th grade he started attending a charter school. They treated our son like he would achieve, attend college, and be an asset to his community. They have provided tutoring and one on one attention for him in academic areas where he is weakest and they have applauded his achievement in areas where he shines.
Della Saunders, Mattapan
My son received admission via the lottery to a charter school for sixth grade. The first year was challenging! But teachers had him stay after school any time he needed help. He was able to call them any time at night or weekend. They would often call me to let me know about John’s progress in school. This outreach was very new to me, but gave me a lot of relief.
My son went on to get strong financial support to attend St. John’s Preparatory High School. He is shining there. Monica and Michael Tesoriero, East Boston
