1. What is a Charter School?
Karen Lee
Distinguished Fulbright Award in Teaching Recipient
Washington, DC

2. Where are Decisions Made?
Within the US structure of federalism, Education is a state issue
Federal Government
State Government
Local Government

3. Federal Government’s Role
The US Department of Education advises states on issues impacting education
Provides federal funding that can often be tied to implementing federal policy
Cannot make decisions for individual states regarding their educational policy

4. Types of schools Private Schools- students have to pay tuition
Public Schools- free for students and is governed by the local municipality
Public Charter Schools- free for students and is governed by an independent board outside of the public school district

5. Charter Schools in DC
There are almost as many students attending charter schools as public schools in DC
Accountable to the Public Charter School Board
Uses the same standards
Takes the same standardized tests
Autonomous to implement policy and schedules to fit individual school’s needs

6. Thurgood Marshall Academy PCHS
Located in southeast, Washington DC
Has 390 students grades 9-12 (ages 14-19)
Enrolls students from the part of the city that has some of the most difficulties
lowest income
poorest performing schools
highest unemployment rate
highest high school drop out rate

7. Ranked highest performing open enrollment school in DC
Charter founded in 2001
100% of our students are accepted into college
80.5% enroll in university right after graduation
74% remain in college
Very successful academic program

8. Funding for Charters Government money travels with a student in DC
$8,600 per high school student (slightly higher in elementary school and lower in middle school)
$2,800 per student for facilities- only given for charters who need to pay for a lease, public schools own the building
Because they are governed outside of the public school district, each charter can privately fundraise
$9,000 additional funds are raised per student at Thurgood Marshall Academy

9. Where this money goes After School clubs University visits
Homework help, tutoring
Mentors
Summer Programs
Experienced Staff

10. Differences Between Charter Schools and Public Schools
Teachers in charter schools cannot belong to the labor union
The pay scale can be different between public and charter schools
Charter schools can adopt stricter discipline standards that result in kicking more students out
Charter schools can have “themes” that center the educational philosophy

11. Any Questions?