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Based on the belief that America's public schools should meet standards of excellence and be held accountable, parents and teachers are lining up to choose innovative public schools – charter schools – that are able to meet the individual needs of our children.
Charter Schools are one part of a five-part cure for fixing public education detailed in Mandate for Change, and a critical component in American schools' Race to the Top.
What is a charter school?
Charter schools are...
- innovative public schools
- designed by educators, parents or civic leaders
- open and attended by choice
- free from most rules and regulations governing conventional public schools
- and accountable for results.
 Today, more than 5,000 charter schools serve more than 1.5 million children in 39 states and the District of Columbia. Find yours at www.yourcharterschool.com.
Charter Schools 101
Resources
Recent Developments
Fight the Myths: And Spread the Truth About Charter Schools
Charter schools give children the opportunity to achieve their dreams. Across America, parents are clamoring for charter schools—boosting waiting lists at America’s 5,000 charter schools to an all-time high, enough to fill another 5,000 charters.
Annual Survey of America's Charter Schools 2010
 CER's annual national overview of the day-to-day operations of charters reveals that charter schools are experiencing stronger parental demand than ever before, with growing waiting lists at 65% of schools.
States Don't Make Grade With Charter School Laws, Report Shows
CER Press Release, Washington, DC, December 8, 2009
 Of the 40 states (including the District of Columbia) that allow for charter schools, only 13 have strong laws that do not require significant revisions, according to a report released today by The Center for Education Reform.
States Compete for Federal School Dollars
By Sam Dillon, November 11, 2009
One skeptic is Jeanne Allen, executive director of the Center for Education Reform, a Washington group that supports charter schools. "Some states are just doing what is easy and inconsequential to get qualified for Race to the Top," she said, and the administration has been portraying minor changes to state laws as significant school reform victories. More from CER at In Focus: Race to the Top
Breaking News: Charter Schools Close Achievement Gap
The newest, most comprehensive study to date finds that New York City's charter schools dramatically improve student achievement, while serving more minority and low-income children. CER summarizes the findings. Link here to the complete New York City Charter School Evaluation Project findings.
In the News:
New York Times: Study Shows Better Scores for Charter School Students
Wall Street Journal: Charter Schools Pass Key Test in Study
New York Post: Study Bares Charter Advantage for Kids
New York Daily News: Acing The Test: Charter School Students Outperform Peers By A Mile In A Fair Test
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Charter School Laws Across the States
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Find A Charter School Today!: CER's interactive map connects you to the charter schools nearest you. Plus charter facts, figures and resources state-by-state.
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Charter School Achievement
Measuring Up: CER tracks all the latest research on academic performance in charter schools. Get state-by-state charter school student achievement data in CER's Accountability Report, which analyzes positive correlation between strong charter school laws, accountable charter schools, and academic progress by charter school students.
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Get Connected: Find education reform organizations and websites that offer resources and support for your state or nationwide.
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