How Do Charter Schools Work in Oregon?
While charter schools in Oregon share similarities to other public institutions in the area, there are crucial differences that may help parents determine whether or not a charter school is a good fit for their children. To help you decide, Oregon Charter Academy, a public charter school that serves elementary, middle school, and high school students throughout Oregon, discusses how charter schools operate in our state.
What Are Charter Schools in Oregon?
A charter school is a unique type of public school with key differences. They are generally operated by a group of dedicated parents, teachers, or members of the community within a particular district. To operate under Oregon law, charter schools need to be given the proper authority, under a contract or charter between the members of the school and the local board of education.
Charter schools in Oregon must follow strict guidelines to ensure the quality of education they provide is up to standards. These guidelines are reviewed and evaluated often. Oregon Charter Academy goes through the accreditation process every five years with our accreditor, Cognia.
How Charter Schools Are Funded
Charter schools provide their students with added benefits and advantages, which they might not receive while attending a traditional public school. Because of this, many people falsely assume that parents must pay tuition, but charter schools are tuition-free learning institutions. To pay for expenses and cover operating costs, charter schools utilize public funding. The amount of money each school receives is dependent on the number of students enrolled at the charter school.
Unlike public schools, charter schools also are allowed to raise private funding to help pay for expenses. Charter schools also can obtain additional financial support through government programs and grants.
Is a Charter School a Good Fit for Your Child?
As a parent, your child’s education is extremely important. You want to provide them with the best possible opportunity and setting to enhance their learning experience. Charter schools provide their students with several advantages, such as:
More one-on-one learning: Children who thrive in smaller settings will be able to excel at charter schools. Because of their enrollment limitations and smaller class sizes, students can expect to receive a more personal learning opportunity at a charter school.
Enhanced curriculum: Your child may be exposed to a more rigorous curriculum, given the strict guidelines charter schools must follow. This enhanced curriculum aims to equip your child with the necessary skills needed to be successful in school, college, and careers.
Customizable learning opportunities: With more flexibility and freedom in choosing their curriculum, charter schools can provide their students with a more personal academic experience. Students have the luxury of taking classes that align with their interests and learning subjects that relate to their preferred career field.
Excellent programming: With the goal of providing students with new and exciting ways to learn, charter schools offer a variety of programs and student activities. These various programs and clubs put an emphasis on group involvement, aiding in your child’s social and educational development.
Enrolling at Oregon Charter Academy
With something to offer each student, Oregon Charter Academy is an excellent choice to further your child’s education. While enrolled here, students have the opportunity to receive a quality education virtually. Benefits to virtual learning include:
Opportunity to work with technology: Because our students learn virtually, technology is very important. This also is an opportunity for our students to familiarize themselves with it and increase their tech skills. What’s more, each student receives a Chromebook, making virtual learning accessible for everyone.
A calmer learning environment: Students who may become anxious or shy in a full classroom can excel by learning virtually. They will enjoy fewer distractions, allowing them to focus more on the learning material.
Instilling responsibility in students: When it comes to learning virtually, a certain level of responsibility is required. Students who learn this at an early age can be better prepared for bigger challenges as they age.
Parents who wish to enroll their child at Oregon Charter Academy can begin the process by simply filling out the Enroll Now form on our website. For more information on charter schools in Oregon or our school specifically, please contact us today.