Refuting studies that suggest charter schools serve fewer poor children than conventional public schools, the Center for Education Reform (CER) today released the results of its 2005 survey of charter schools. Charter schools serve students who are under-served in the conventional public school environment: at-risk students, minority students, and low-income students. In addition, conventional public schools do not provide the specialized attention and tailored programming that charter schools offer these students. This is contrary to recent reports by some academics that base their conclusions on data from self-reported federal lunch program participation, a classification that government statisticians concede does not accurately define school populations. The median minority population in charter schools is 60% and the median at-risk population is 75%.
"Year after year this survey shows the depth of education charter schools provide to children most in need," said CER president Jeanne Allen. "They are doing so with fewer resources, longer days and years, and through the use of more focused curricular approaches, such as college prep, math and science and core knowledge programs." The survey also addresses the double-digit growth of charter schools, who authorizes them, and staff-student ratios.
Released in tandem is the only comprehensive data available on the nation’s more than 400 closed charter schools. While many traditional education groups argue that fewer regulations mean charter schools are less accountable, the closures report reveals that unlike conventional public schools, charters are closed down when they are financially, academically or administratively deficient. Charter School Closures: The Opportunity for Accountability gives detailed information on every charter school to close, including the year they were opened/closed, the school's sponsor, and the reason for the closure, as well as insight into each reason for closure.
Of the over 4,000 public charter schools ever opened, 436 have been closed for failing to perform on some level or failing to attract enough students to be financially stable. While reasons and causes vary, the majority are closed for financial or management deficiencies. Business analysts offer that of all small businesses that open, nearly half close within the first year. After 16 years, only eleven percent of the nation’s public charter schools have closed. This is a testament to the power of the idea, the demand, and the concept of quality control that is alive and well throughout the charter school arena.
Print copies of Charter School Closures: The Opportunity for Accountability and the companion 2005 Annual Survey of America's Charter Schools are available to the media by contacting CER. Print copies are available to the public for $19.95 each. Click here to download the 2005 Annual Survey of America's Charter Schools for free. Also released today by The Center for Education Reform: Raising the Bar on Charter School Laws.
Link here to most current Annual Survey of America's Charter Schools from CER.
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The Center for Education Reform (CER) creates opportunities for and challenges obstacles to better education for America’s communities. Founded in 1993, CER combines education policy with grassroots advocacy to foster positive and bold education reforms. For more information, contact CER at (202) 822-9000 or send us email. 
