The Impact of Charter Schools on Student Outcomes

With the increasing popularity of charter schools in Oregon and across the United States, students now have expanded educational options. More parents are enrolling children in charter schools each week as the abundance and quality of charter schools continue to soar.

What is fueling this dramatic change in Americans’ view of public education? When you learn how a charter school works, you can see for yourself the many advantages. However, the bottom line is the impact of charter schools on student outcomes, with proven successes and dramatic results that have resonated with so many learners. Here, Oregon Charter Academy explores the biggest takeaways typical students receive from a charter school education.

Confidence

Self-esteem comes from success. When your child gets the chance to succeed from a young age, they will gain confidence in their own good judgment. Charter schools also allow flexibility in learning, helping students to find avenues to demonstrate their abilities – and not be merely a square peg in a round hole. As their talents are cultivated, they have the chance to shine brightly and positively, lessons they can carry all through life.

Smaller Is Better

Class size plays a big part in learning. A smaller class size means more opportunities for individual learning and instructor attention. Charter schools offer a smaller number of students per class than traditional public schools. This ability to understand and impact a child one-on-one means that you never have to worry that your child gets lost in the shuffle. Additionally, smaller class sizes better prepare kids to be leaders, not followers, because they are actively engaged every day.

Parents Play a Big Part

The advent of charter schools means parents have more choices. It also means that parents don’t have to sit on the sidelines of their children’s education. Our teachers and staff have a high level of accountability to parents and instill this accountability in students, as well. Our energized student body, plus the commitment of parent engagement, leads to high academic standards that promote lifelong excellence.

Curriculum

Our curriculum focuses on mastering the Four C’s: communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity. These four building blocks are important regardless of the level or grade:

Elementary

Kindergarten through fifth grade classes provide a springboard for learning, competence, and meeting expectations. The curriculum takes a broad approach, developing basic skills in a variety of subjects to support more specialized learning later in life with areas that include:

• Core instruction with a holistic approach to English language arts, science, and social studies

• Mathematics

• Physical education and health

• Art and world languages

Middle School

At this point in the education process, coursework reflects students' growing ability to address more complex subjects. Grades six through eight build upon elementary school learning with the following curriculum:

• Humanities

• Mathematics

• Science

• Physical education and health

• Art and language electives

High School

High school, encompassing grades nine to 12, begins to narrow the educational focus on college and career readiness. However, this also is a time to expand horizons, and our young adults can engage in various programs and student activities. In addition, high school education also helps prepare students to succeed in specialized fields, such as:

• Business

• Criminology and forensics

• Early childhood education

• Medical science

• Technology and computer science

High school education also includes preparation for college entrance exams, including the ACT and SAT. This prep is interwoven throughout all courses in a school-wide focus on critical thinking, problem-solving, and literacy to help students succeed in whatever postsecondary future they choose.

Career and Technical Education

We recognize that many students learn different skills on different paths as they move beyond high school and into college or a career. ASCEND is our career and technical education (CTE) program, designed to provide career-relevant knowledge and skills. Students can apply for the CTE program in grades nine through eleven. This program offers the five following career paths:

• Computer science

• Business and management

• Hotel & Tourism Management

• Medical science

• Veterinary science

ASCEND students will have opportunities for more hands-on learning and can take part in an internship or some outside-the-walls education during their senior year. They also will have opportunities to be a part of national student organizations. In many cases, ASCEND students will have the opportunities to obtain industry certificates and participate in college-level courses in their field of study.

Experience the Advantages of Charter Schools

At the Oregon Charter Academy, our focus is on clearly demonstrating the impact of charter schools on students. Contact us today to determine how we can empower your child for a positive outcome. We also have a FAQ page should you need additional information. As the world seems to change faster and faster, we strive to prepare students with the tools and career-ready skills that give them a competitive advantage.