6 June 2 - 15, 2007
Community
www.SanTanSun.com
School choices from Page 1
inter-district public school transfers. school districts are allowed. want to pay private school tuition. One of the main
There is a growing sentiment that educational In recent years, Chandler Unifi ed began to strengths of charter schools is they deal with less red
choice is a good thing for everyone. Choice allows introduce alternative school settings like the Chandler tape than a typical public school, resulting in the
parents to fi nd the appropriate educational setting Traditional Academy campuses and Hamilton Prep. ability to be more innovative, says Gleeson.
for their child’s personality and learning style, while “Our schools have a great track record of student “Generally speaking, each charter school has a
matching their family’s lifestyle and values. Some success when you consider that students consistently unique mission or philosophy that sets it apart. Often,
experts and educators contend that school choice are among the top in the state in activities ranging charters are smaller schools, and because of this the
pushes typical public schools to do better because of from academics to athletics. Student achievement educational approach is more individualized and
greater competition in the education marketplace. doesn’t happen by accident,” says Locke. “Our staff there is more of a community spirit that includes
“The existence of charter schools raises the development, strong curriculum, incorporation of parents, students and staff.”
educational standard for all children regardless of technology, student to teacher ratio – average of One common issue facing parents interested in
whether the school is a public charter school or a 23-to-1 – and excellent facilities are all important to charter schools is the limited enrollment at each
public district school,” says Jan Gleeson, executive our success.” school. Waiting lists and lotteries are not uncommon.
director of Horizon Community Learning Center, a
charter school serving Chandler, Tempe, Ahwatukee AZ leads way in charters Smaller classes, more freedom for a price
and the East Valley. “The goal has to be bigger than The percentage of students attending charter By defi nition, a private school has complete
just one school.” schools in Arizona is the nation’s highest, at 8 percent autonomy in its structure, curriculum and focus.
for the 2006-07 school year. Such schools receive no funding and little oversight
Public schools offer varied programs “Our vibrant charter school movement is by far the from the local, state, or federal government. Instead,
Public schools offer students a free, broad-based most successful charter movement of any of the states fi nancial support is provided through student tuition,
education in a structured classroom setting. Most in the country,” asserts Horne. fundraising and endowments.
students who live in Chandler are educated as part Many parents do not realize charter schools are also
of the Chandler Unifi ed School District. Kids are public schools, although they operate independently
assigned to a public school based on geographic of any school district organization. Charter schools
boundaries established by the school district, and for are funded and directed by the state, but have been
most, that means spending time with other children freed from some of the regulations applied to typical
who live nearby. public schools.
“Public education in general offers more options In exchange for that autonomy, the school creates
for varied programs,” says Terry Locke, director of a charter that identifi es specifi c results for which it
community relations for CUSD. “This includes the is accountable to a board of directors. Because they
arts, high-level academic opportunities, projects are publicly funded, charter schools are required
involving local universities. Public schools represent to give the same exams as other schools, including
the diversity and culture of the communities they AIMS, and can be compared using state achievement
serve.” measurements like the Arizona LEARNS Achievement
Parents satisfi ed with a public education, but not Profi les.
STSN photo by Gordon Murray
their neighborhood school can request an intra- or Parents might consider a charter school if they
PRIVATE: Chandler Christian School is a private Christian school
inter-district transfer. As long as space is available, aren’t happy with their other public school options in Chandler.
transfers among Chandler Unifi ed sites or other local or want an alternative classroom setting but don’t
See School choices Page 8
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