It grows every year. Each year for three decades, Arizona has grown as a national leader in charter school choice by parents. Why are parents surging the enrollment lines for their children to attend a charter school instead of their local district school?
While a variety of factors are involved in the answer to this question, let’s take a look at the four main reasons Arizona parents are choosing charter schools over public district schools:
- Curriculum Distinction
- Elevated School Performance
- Equitable and Free Admissions
- Accessible Funding
Curriculum Distinction
In terms of academic curricula, both public schools and charter schools have branches that begin growing from the same tree trunk. Both types of schools have to adhere to the standards set by the Arizona Board of Education, and all charter schools must adhere to standards given by the Arizona State Board for Charter Schools. But the similarities end there as those branches offshoot into newer, more distinct ones.
Most charter schools follow an advanced or accelerated curriculum. With their smaller student-to-teacher ratios, students receive greater attention. Thus, engagement with their studies deepens. They develop confidence and intrinsic motivation, which ultimately leads to a mastery of academic knowledge and skills.
Charter schools offer a wide range of courses that align with their missions and goals. For example, Arizona is an agricultural state and is home to several charter schools focusing on agricultural studies. The Arizona School for the Arts emphasizes art education. Some curricula follow a particular teaching method such as the Montessori method or classical education. Other charter schools are focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) studies.
Public schools may have more resources for curriculum development, but they’re not as flexible and innovative as Arizona’s charter schools.
Elevated School Performance
Arizona is home to 580 charter schools, serving approximately 231,703 students. This is 21% of public enrollment and 25% percent of the state’s public elementary schools. (Arizona Charter Schools Association) The state is proud to have the highest-ranked charter schools in the country. According to U.S. News & World Report’s list of best charter schools in 2022, 8 of Arizona’s charter schools ranked in the nation’s top 10.
Arizona’s charter schools generate 35% higher academic achievement than local school districts. (Goldwater Institute) Furthermore, this achievement applies to all students regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, or family income.
With such a tremendous demonstration of academic growth, it’s no wonder parents are scrambling to enroll their children in Arizona’s charter schools.
Equitable and Free Admissions
No matter where you live in Arizona, your children have access to a public charter school. Entry is free because charter schools are supported by many of the same financial foundations as district schools.
All of Arizona’s children who apply to charter schools are enrolled regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or income status. There aren’t any academic requirements or admissions tests. Nor is entry limited by language proficiency or athletic ability. Charter schools are open to all students.
Accessible Funding
Charter schools in the United States receive the same government funding as traditional schools, with the exception of local property taxes. Making up the difference, Arizona’s legislature provides charter school students with up to $2,000 per pupil more than is given to district school students.
Charter schools don’t charge tuition. Additionally, they receive extra funding for Special Education and English language learner needs.
With numerous business donations and grants picking up the financial disparity, Arizona’s charter schools often exceed traditional schools in the availability of funds.
Final Thoughts
In summary, while Arizona’s public district schools provide all the resources needed for a traditional education, many parents are choosing to enroll their children in charter schools. They’re drawn by challenging curricula and academic excellence, with an admission that is free of cost.
The state of Arizona, as a national leader in charter school success, offers a powerful alternative to traditional district schools.