The Connecticut Charter Schools Network

Frequently Asked Questions

- What is a charter school?
- Are charter schools public schools?
- What's the difference between charter schools and other public schools?
- Who attends charter schools? How do students get in to charter schools?
- How are charter schools in Connecticut funded?
- Who teaches in charter schools? Are the teachers certified?
- Do charter school students have to take the same tests as students in other public schools?
- How many charter schools exist in Connecticut?
- Where are the charter schools located in Connecticut?
- Are charter laws the same in all states?
- Where can I get information about starting a charter school in Connecticut?

1. What is a charter school?

Charter schools are public schools operating with a contract, or charter, from a public agency [in Connecticut, the State Board of Education]. They are created by groups of parents, teachers, school administrators, or others who want to provide alternatives within the public school system. Charter schools are public schools that are free, open to all, and designed to be publicly accountable and responsive to both student and parent needs. Charter schools must be non-sectarian and abide by the civil rights, health and safety laws. The schools must also meet standards set forth in their charters for students and the school as a whole, or the chartering agency can close the school. [US Department of Education press release, August 1999.]

2. Are charter schools public schools?

Yes. State laws dictate that they must provide free, non-sectarian education to students enrolled, and must be accessible to all children, regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, sexual orientation, proficiency in English, physical or mental disability, or athletic achievement.

3. What's the difference between charter schools and other public schools?

Charter schools operate independently of any local or regional board of education and are instead accountable directly to the State Board of Education. Each charter school must have its own governing body that has overall responsibility for operating and managing the school, including its curriculum, policies, staffing, and financial operation. Charter schools are all schools of choice; students choose to attend them. According to the Connecticut State Department of Education, "the goal for charter schools is to serve as centers for innovation and educational leadership to improve student performance and as a vehicle to reduce racial, ethnic and economic isolation."

4. Who attends charter schools? How do students get in to charter schools?

Charter schools are required by law to allow open access to all students. Enrollment may be limited to particular grade levels, and charter schools may give preference to siblings enrolled in the school; otherwise, all interested students may attend. If available space is limited, a lottery system must be used to admit students.

5. How are charter schools in Connecticut funded?

During the 2000 - 2001 school year, state charter schools will receive funding from the state in an amount equal to $7000 per pupil. Local charter schools, which are approved by the State Department of Education and a local school district, receive funding from the district in which they are located. In addition, all charter schools can apply for competitive grants administered by the State Department of Education and, in accordance with federal law, for any federal funds available for the education of pupils attending public schools.

6. Who teaches in charter schools? Are the teachers certified?

At least 50% of the teachers employed in a charter school must be certified in Connecticut at the time of hiring. The remaining 50% can obtain temporary "Charter School Interim Educator Certificates" from the State Department of Education if they complete the state's required tests and are judged eligible for the state's Alternative Route of Certification.

7. Do charter school students have to take the same tests as students in other public schools?

Yes. Charter school students are required to take the Connecticut Mastery Tests (CMT) and the Connecticut Academic Performance Tests (CAPT).

8. How many charter schools exist in Connecticut?

Since the first charter schools opened in Connecticut in 1997, the charter school movement has grown to 16 schools operating statewide, serving close to 2000 students.

9. Where are the charter schools located in Connecticut?

Charter schools are currently located in Bridgeport, Fairfield, Hamden, Hartford, Manchester, New Haven, New London, Norwich, South Norwalk, Stamford, Waterbury, and Winsted, serving students from those districts and many neighboring communities.

10. Are charter laws the same in all states?

No. Although charter schools nationwide are designed to have greater autonomy, accountability to the states in which they are located, and goals of innovation and increased choice, the details of charter school laws vary. In particular, different states provide different funding structures and levels, charter approval processes, and restrictions in the size or number of charter schools.

11. Where can I get information about starting a charter school in Connecticut?

For information about the charter application process, contact:

Mark Linabury
Charter School Program Manager
Division of School Improvement
State of Connecticut Department of Education
P.O. Box 2219
Hartford, CT, 06145