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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
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.
New State Analysis Reveals Lagging Progress on Charter Laws
CER Press Release, Washington, DC, December 2, 2009
As the Obama Administration prepares to review state applications for much coveted federal education funds in the 'Race to the Top' competition, no state in 2009 made enough progress to significantly move its score in the 11th annual ranking of state charter school laws, according to a new report that will be released next week by The Center for Education Reform.
5000+ Charter Schools Already Help Students Race to the Top
CER Press Release, Washington, DC, November 23, 2009
At a time when states are scrambling to compete in President Obama's signature 'Race to the Top' effort, they really only need to look in their own backyards to see one reform that continues to make a difference in the lives of millions of kids. Today, 5,043 charter schools in 39 states and the District of Columbia are allowing nearly 2 million families to opt out of schools failing students and into schools better serving them.
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
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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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