Charter schools sf: Uh oh. We’re very sorry.

Опубликовано: January 9, 2023 в 11:05 pm

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Категории: Miscellaneous

Best Charter Schools in San Francisco

Help your child excel in school with a more rigorous curriculum by enrolling in one of the best charter schools in San Francisco!

In San Francisco, some, if not most, parents choose a charter school to send their kids for education. Because they are publicly funded, they provide an affordable alternative to private schools. So, just like public schools, they are not allowed to charge tuition, although some charge fees for specific programs and activities. For many families, charter schools in San Francisco are the best option!

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Finding a charter school for your child in San Francisco can be overwhelming. As parents, you always want the best school for your child to meet their unique educational needs. While most charter schools in San Francisco provide students with the benefit of smaller class sizes and diverse populations, the freedom in curriculum design based on your child’s interest is one significant factor in parents choosing a charter school. But which school offers the best choice for your child?

To identify the best school, we reviewed rankings for all charter schools from the 2022 Best Charter Schools in San Francisco list released by school and neighborhood data clearinghouse Niche. The rankings below have been compiled based on several factors:

  • analysis of critical data from the U.S. Department of Education
  • average SAT and ACT scores
  • college enrollment
  • culture and diversity
  • student-teacher ratio
  • parent and student surveys
  • private school ratings collected from millions of Niche users

Charter schools are created by school districts, colleges, nonprofit organizations, or other entities to specialize in specific areas such as math, science, art, music, or technology. Take this as a guide to look into the best charter schools in San Francisco to see which institution you think best fits your child’s learning.

Top 10 San Francisco Charter Schools 

Photo by: The New School of San Francisco

1.

The New School of San Francisco

940 Filbert St., San Francisco, CA 94133
Phone Number: (415) 401-8489

#3 in Best Charter Elementary Schools in California
Overall Grade: A+
Students: 347 (Grades K-6)
Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
Percent Proficient – Reading: 82%
Percent Proficient – Math: 72%

As one of the best charter schools in San Francisco, learning at New School SF is “hands-on, minds-on.” Their inquiry and student-centered approach embrace each student’s curiosity and encourage learners to construct their own meaning and knowledge through hands-on experiences. The school is diverse by design, with families from all over San Francisco who intentionally practice equity in all they do.

Finally, they take a personalized approach to ensure all students thrive in school and beyond. New School San Francisco believes this approach will foster a deep love of learning while preparing students with the problem-solving and social-emotional skills needed to meet the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century confidently.

Photo by: Mission Preparatory

2. Mission Preparatory

1050 York St., San Francisco, CA 94110
Phone Number: (415) 508-9626

#1 in Niche Standout Elementary Schools in San Francisco Bay Area
Overall Grade: A
Students: 439 (Grades PK, K-8)
Student-Teacher Ratio: 26:1
Percent Proficient – Reading: 81%
Percent Proficient – Math: 75%

The Mission Preparatory School enables students to become self-motivated, competent, and lifelong learners armed with the knowledge, skills, and strength of character needed to succeed in college and become leaders in their communities. An educated person in the 21st century must possess the essential skills and knowledge required to achieve higher education and the workplace and to participate in a global society.

At Mission Prep, 160 minutes of daily literacy instruction and 90 minutes of daily math instruction comprise the core of the academic day for students in grades K-4. In grades 5-8, students receive 90 minutes of literacy instruction and 90 minutes of math instruction daily. This San Francisco charter school focuses intensively on literacy and math instruction throughout grades TK-8.

Photo by: Gateway High School

3. Gateway High School

1430 Scott St., San Francisco, CA 94115
Phone Number: (415) 749-3600

#15 in Best Charter High Schools in San Francisco Bay Area
Overall Grade: A-
Students: 519 (Grades 9-12)
Student-Teacher Ratio: 19:1
Percent Proficient – Reading: 57%
Percent Proficient – Math: 37%

At the heart of Gateway’s approach is the belief that all students can learn differently at high levels. Since its founding, Gateway has been committed to providing an empowering and responsive education for students of all backgrounds and learning needs. Their small class sizes, advisory system, curriculum, Learning Center, and Learning Seminar program promote personalized learning for their students.

Students learn at high levels when schools pair high expectations for all students with strategies and resources to support students as agents of their learning. In their model, difference and diversity become sources of strength. In addition to helping students best achieve their dreams, Gateway’s track record of success has significantly positioned it to impact charter schools in San Francisco.

Photo by: Creative Arts Charter School

4. Creative Arts Charter School

1601 Turk St., San Francisco, CA 94115
Phone Number: (415) 749-3509

#18 in Best Charter Elementary Schools in San Francisco Bay Area
Overall Grade: A-
Students: 422 (Grades K-8)
Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
Percent Proficient – Reading: 74%
Percent Proficient – Math: 65%

Creative Arts Charter School is a highly collaborative, joyful community where every child is known well and appreciated for their unique attributes. They base their teaching methods on constructivist learning theory developed on the premise that students construct their own understanding of the world by generating rules and mental models that help them make sense of experiences. To that end, every school day for every student at CACS involves opportunities to play, invent, and discover.

Creative Arts was founded on the belief that the education of the whole child includes ongoing exploration in dance, drama, music, and visual arts. As part of a universal, cross-cultural language, the arts represent innate aspects of our common humanity, providing an inherent foundation for communication and a bridge for understanding across differences of age, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomics, and culture.

Photo by: Gateway Middle School

5. Gateway Middle School

1512 Golden Gate Ave., San Francisco, CA 94115
Phone Number: (415) 922-1001

#916 in Best Public Middle Schools in California
Overall Grade: B+
Students: 305 (Grades 6-8)
Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
Percent Proficient – Reading: 56%
Percent Proficient – Math: 32%

Gateway Middle School’s curriculum ensures students are challenged, engaged in learning, and prepared for a rigorous high school experience. All academic courses at Gateway are standards-based, incorporate Common Core State Standards, and emphasize the process of learning, commitment to community, and integrity. The values of responsibility, community, excellence and respect for others should inspire students to contribute to their communities however they can.

Gateway Middle School supports and challenges all students to discover their unique potential, actively participate in their community, and develop skills and habits to achieve excellence in high school and college. Each grade level has access to portable Mac laptop computers and desktop computers stationed in the Learning Center. They also use a portable set of iPads and Chromebooks in classrooms.

Photo by: KIPP San Francisco College Preparatory

6. KIPP San Francisco College Preparatory

1195 Hudson Ave., San Francisco, CA 94124
Phone Number: (415) 643-6951

#13 in Niche Standout High Schools in San Francisco Bay Area
Overall Grade: B
Students: 428 (Grades 9-12)
Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
Percent Proficient – Reading: 77%
Percent Proficient – Math: 47%

San Francisco College Preparatory is the first of KIPP’s high schools to open with blended learning. Together with families and communities, they create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence to pursue their paths—college, career, and beyond—to lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world. The school begins college counseling for students starting in the 9th grade with a college readiness seminar course.

As a smaller-sized high school, KIPP San Francisco will feel like a cozy learning environment. With fewer than 100 students in your class, you’ll likely get to know most other students and your teachers well. This will give you the feeling of a small liberal arts college. They prepare all students with the academic skills, knowledge, and strength of character to succeed in college and the competitive world.

Photo by: KIPP San Francisco Bay Academy

7. KIPP San Francisco Bay Academy

1430 Scott St., 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94115
Phone Number: (415) 440-4306

Overall Grade: B-
Students: 351 (Grades 5-8)
Student-Teacher Ratio: 22:1
Percent Proficient – Reading: 44%
Percent Proficient – Math: 30%

KIPP San Francisco Bay Academy is dedicated to providing its students with the knowledge, skills, and character traits needed to succeed in top-quality high schools, colleges, and the competitive world. They strive hard to create joy-filled classrooms and know they can’t succeed without an active and explicit commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. KIPP ensures each student has the skills and confidence to pursue any path that leads to their highest aspirations.

Continuous learning is one of San Francisco Bay Academy’s core values, and they believe there is always room to learn, grow, and improve at each stage of your KIPP career. That’s why they prioritize and invest in invaluable on-the-job training and collaborative learning, transformative coaching experiences, and the highest-quality formal professional development.

Photo by: KIPP Bayview Academy

8. KIPP Bayview Academy

1060 Key Ave., San Francisco, CA 94124
Phone Number: (415) 467-2522
Overall Grade: B-
Students: 285 (Grades 5-8)
Student-Teacher Ratio: 20:1
Percent Proficient – Reading: 39%
Percent Proficient – Math: 33%

KIPP Bayview Academy provides all students with an outstanding education that focuses on traditional academic excellence, citizenship, the appreciation of diversity, a desire to pursue higher education, and a will to transform our communities and world for the better. KIPP teachers blend small-group instruction and technology creatively to personalize learning and keep children encouraged, engaged, and continuously learning.

Bayview Academy develops critical thinkers and change-makers with the academic foundations, social-emotional skills, and sociopolitical consciousness necessary to succeed at top-performing colleges. From student-led discussions to analyzing texts to researching and visiting local colleges, KIPP students grow by stepping out of their comfort zone and following in new situations.

Photo by: City Arts & Tech High School

9. City Arts & Tech High School

350 Seneca Ave., San Francisco, CA 94112
Phone Number: (415) 841 8910

Overall Grade: B-
Students: 250 (Grades 9-12)
Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
Percent Proficient – Reading: 32%
Percent Proficient – Math: 12%

CAL Academy is committed to helping students succeed in school and life, as their commitment to the community goes beyond academic success. They know that high school can be a challenging time, and whatever the issue, its staff is available and willing to guide you as you navigate school, family, and life. They are a tight-knit community that finds comfort, support, and guidance in one another.

At City Arts, they make sure students understand that opportunities, incomes, and quality of life can improve dramatically for those who earn a college degree. That’s why CAL’s requirements for graduation match California State University (CSU) and University of California (UC) system eligibility requirements (A-G approved).

Photo by: Thomas Edison Charter Academy

10. Thomas Edison Charter Academy

3531 22nd St., San Francisco, CA 94114
Phone Number: (415) 970-3330

Overall Grade: C+
Students: 710 (Grades K-8)
Student-Teacher Ratio: 21:1
Percent Proficient – Reading: 43%
Percent Proficient – Math: 29%

TECA uses a blend of adopted curriculum and staff-created projects aligned to the California State Standards. All students receive culturally and linguistically responsive instruction in reading, language arts, writing, mathematics, science, history/social studies, visual arts, drama, dance, music, health, and physical education. Students identified as English language learners also receive daily integrated and designated English language development.

At TECA, they offer an inclusive approach to providing services and support to students with Individualized Learning Plans (IEPs) as teachers develop a Universal Design for Learning (UDL) approach to meet the needs of each and every student. Guided by their dedicated and diverse faculty and staff, students build their confidence and curiosity, critical thinking skills, and ability to solve problems creatively and collaboratively.

Best Charter Schools in San Francisco

The goal of Charter Schools is to innovate within the public school system, having a unique freedom and flexibility for students in San Francisco, which is not typically present in public school districts. They create their own policies and practices and can customize your child’s curriculum based on their interest. Every child has a specific academic path they want to pursue — and at a charter school in San Francisco, your child can follow that track.

San Francisco offers a wide variety of opportunities for kids to enjoy and have fun all year round! Check out our list of resources for kids, or browse through our Places to Go section. Find out the latest happenings through our Events section.

Are you looking for more kid’s school resources around San Francisco? Browse through our schools and activities section, or search for more information about school kids’ topics, tips, and guides, check out our education-related blog posts.

Read Next

A Guide to Charter Schools in Sacramento
20 Best Charter Schools in Santa Clara County
15 Best Charter Schools in San Jose
Our 10 Best Homeschool for Kids in San Jose    

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2023 Best Charter Elementary Schools in the San Francisco Bay Area

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  1. #1 Best Charter Elementary Schools in San Francisco Bay Area

    #1 Best Charter Elementary Schools in San Francisco Bay Area.

    Yu Ming Charter School

    Blue checkmark.

    Public School,

    OAKLAND, CA,

    K-8,

    2 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

    Featured Review: Middle School Student says Great school, I go there and I love it so much! There are a lot of different things you can do but I love how it also teaches me mandarin and it also is super strong on math and English even though….

    Read 2 reviews.

    Overall Niche Grade: A+,

    Students: 555,

    Student-Teacher Ratio: 19 to 1,

  2. #2 Best Charter Elementary Schools in San Francisco Bay Area

    #2 Best Charter Elementary Schools in San Francisco Bay Area.

    Bullis Charter School

    Blue checkmark.

    Public School,

    LOS ALTOS, CA,

    K-8,

    14 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

    Featured Review: Parent says Teachers work as a team to deliver an integrated curriculum that covers the subjects through selected themes/topics that integrates all the learning.The arts and music teachers standout in terms of what they are able to do to engage all students in amazing productions.They are also innovative, creative, flexible, free to IMPROVE on a continuous basis..

    Read 14 reviews.

    Overall Niche Grade: A+,

    Students: 1,093,

    Student-Teacher Ratio: 16 to 1,

  3. #3 Best Charter Elementary Schools in San Francisco Bay Area

    #3 Best Charter Elementary Schools in San Francisco Bay Area.

    The New School of San Francisco

    Public School,

    SAN FRANCISCO, CA,

    K-6,

    2 Niche users give it an average review of 3.5 stars.

    Featured Review: Parent says Amazing curriculum, teachers, parent involvement, communication, and culture. I haven’t seen anything like it at other schools, public or private..

    Read 2 reviews.

    Overall Niche Grade: A+,

    Students: 347,

    Student-Teacher Ratio: 14 to 1,

  5. #4 Best Charter Elementary Schools in San Francisco Bay Area

    #4 Best Charter Elementary Schools in San Francisco Bay Area.

    Discovery Charter School

    Blue checkmark.

    Public School,

    SAN JOSE, CA,

    K-8,

    13 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.

    Featured Review: Alum says I got the benefit of going to this school because all my older brothers were already going there. I went to DCS all the way from kindergarten to eighth grade. There are so many things that this….

    Read 13 reviews.

    Overall Niche Grade: A,

    Students: 553,

    Student-Teacher Ratio: 21 to 1,

  6. #5 Best Charter Elementary Schools in San Francisco Bay Area

    #5 Best Charter Elementary Schools in San Francisco Bay Area.

    Ross Valley Charter

    Public School,

    FAIRFAX, CA,

    K-5,

    3 Niche users give it an average review of 4.7 stars.

    Featured Review: Niche User says New location in downtown Fairfax. Huge site. Multi age program. Teachers engage students with childs interests. Parent involvement, staff very in touch with school. Wecoming to all families. Great….

    Read 3 reviews.

    Overall Niche Grade: A,

    Students: 203,

    Student-Teacher Ratio: 23 to 1,

  7. #6 Best Charter Elementary Schools in San Francisco Bay Area

    #6 Best Charter Elementary Schools in San Francisco Bay Area.

    Francophone Charter School of Oakland

    Public School,

    OAKLAND, CA,

    K-8,

    4 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

    Featured Review: Parent says We’ve been here for a few years now. I have been extremely impressed with the teaching. We attended a private French immersion school before this, and I think that academically speaking, this is….

    Read 4 reviews.

    Overall Niche Grade: A,

    Students: 311,

    Student-Teacher Ratio: 24 to 1,

  8. #7 Best Charter Elementary Schools in San Francisco Bay Area

    #7 Best Charter Elementary Schools in San Francisco Bay Area.

    San Carlos Charter Learning Center

    Blue checkmark.

    Public School,

    SAN CARLOS, CA,

    K-8,

    1 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

    Featured Review: Middle School Student says Charter is a very good school with lots of group projects and involvement. They have lots of special activities and programs for children with learning difficulties. Parents are super involved and…My one problem though, is that in the new campus made of shipping containers, whenever there is motion on the top floor, it makes a really loud sound on the bottom floor. This becomes a real….

    Read 1 reviews.

    Overall Niche Grade: A,

    Students: 387,

    Student-Teacher Ratio: 20 to 1,

  9. #8 Best Charter Elementary Schools in San Francisco Bay Area

    #8 Best Charter Elementary Schools in San Francisco Bay Area.

    Heather Elementary School

    San Carlos Elementary School District, CA,

    K-3,

    Overall Niche Grade: A,

    Students: 286,

    Student-Teacher Ratio: 18 to 1,

  10. #9 Best Charter Elementary Schools in San Francisco Bay Area

    #9 Best Charter Elementary Schools in San Francisco Bay Area.

    Mission Preparatory

    Public School,

    SAN FRANCISCO, CA,

    PK, K-8,

    1 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

    Featured Review: Middle School Student says I’m a current student in Mission Preparatory and it’s great. Since it’s a new school, I think it should have more clubs and sports, but academics are great. Teachers and staff are very supportive and….

    Read 1 reviews.

    Overall Niche Grade: A,

    Students: 439,

    Student-Teacher Ratio: 26 to 1,

  12. #10 Best Charter Elementary Schools in San Francisco Bay Area

    #10 Best Charter Elementary Schools in San Francisco Bay Area.

    Circle of Independent Learning Charter School

    Fremont Unified School District, CA,

    K-12,

    31 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.

    Featured Review: Parent says The pandemic year was a perfect time for us to try COIL. My son had begged me to homeschool him for over a year, and being in the tradition public school classroom was not working for him. I wish I….

    Read 31 reviews.

    Overall Niche Grade: A,

    Students: 405,

    Student-Teacher Ratio: 24 to 1,

  13. Connecting Waters Charter – East Bay

    Blue checkmark.

    Public School,

    UNION CITY, CA,

    K-12,

    2 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.

    Featured Review: Junior says Hey! I’m currently enrolled at Connecting Waters and it’s my last year here, and what can I say, it’s been a ride. I got to meet so many new people here, try so many new things, and most of all,….

    Read 2 reviews.

    Overall Niche Grade: A,

    Students: 534,

    Student-Teacher Ratio: 13 to 1,

  14. #11 Best Charter Elementary Schools in San Francisco Bay Area

    #11 Best Charter Elementary Schools in San Francisco Bay Area.

    Alpha: Cornerstone Academy Preparatory

    Blue checkmark.

    Public School,

    SAN JOSE, CA,

    K-8,

    Overall Niche Grade: A,

    Students: 521,

    Student-Teacher Ratio: 25 to 1,

  15. #12 Best Charter Elementary Schools in San Francisco Bay Area

    #12 Best Charter Elementary Schools in San Francisco Bay Area.

    Willow Creek Academy

    Public School,

    SAUSALITO, CA,

    K-8,

    6 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

    Featured Review: Parent says There are so many reasons why our family feels remarkably lucky to be at WCA. We were most drawn to the mix of income levels, racial and cultural backgrounds and languages, over any other school in. …

    Read 6 reviews.

    Overall Niche Grade: A,

    Students: 346,

    Student-Teacher Ratio: 19 to 1,

  16. #13 Best Charter Elementary Schools in San Francisco Bay Area

    #13 Best Charter Elementary Schools in San Francisco Bay Area.

    AIMS College Prep Elementary School (K-8)

    Blue checkmark.

    Public School,

    OAKLAND, CA,

    K-8,

    5 Niche users give it an average review of 3.4 stars.

    Featured Review: Senior says American Indian Public High School prepared me for college readiness. The school has high test scores and has a lot of AP courses that students are required to take. The school needs to improve….

    Read 5 reviews.

    Overall Niche Grade: A,

    Students: 659,

    Student-Teacher Ratio: 18 to 1,

    View nearby homes Virtual tour

  17. #14 Best Charter Elementary Schools in San Francisco Bay Area

    #14 Best Charter Elementary Schools in San Francisco Bay Area.

    Forest Hill Elementary School

    Blue checkmark.

    Campbell Union School District, CA,

    K-5,

    Overall Niche Grade: A,

    Students: 550,

    Student-Teacher Ratio: 20 to 1,

  18. #15 Best Charter Elementary Schools in San Francisco Bay Area

    #15 Best Charter Elementary Schools in San Francisco Bay Area.

    Rocketship Spark Academy

    Public School,

    SAN JOSE, CA,

    K-5,

    Overall Niche Grade: A minus,

    Students: 625,

    Student-Teacher Ratio: 35 to 1,

  19. #16 Best Charter Elementary Schools in San Francisco Bay Area

    #16 Best Charter Elementary Schools in San Francisco Bay Area.

    Creative Arts Charter School

    Public School,

    SAN FRANCISCO, CA,

    K-8,

    4 Niche users give it an average review of 2. 3 stars.

    Featured Review: Alum says CACS has a robust but manageable workload that prepares students for the curriculum ahead in high school. It offers a sense of community and diversity that simply isn’t present at most other schools..

    Read 4 reviews.

    Overall Niche Grade: A minus,

    Students: 422,

    Student-Teacher Ratio: 18 to 1,

  20. #17 Best Charter Elementary Schools in San Francisco Bay Area

    #17 Best Charter Elementary Schools in San Francisco Bay Area.

    Marshall Lane Elementary School

    Blue checkmark.

    Campbell Union School District, CA,

    K-5,

    1 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

    Featured Review: Alum says The teachers were great and very supportive. Everyone was nice to each other and very friendly. The school really helped me become more open and confident..

    Read 1 reviews.

    Overall Niche Grade: A minus,

    Students: 406,

    Student-Teacher Ratio: 24 to 1,

  21. #18 Best Charter Elementary Schools in San Francisco Bay Area

    #18 Best Charter Elementary Schools in San Francisco Bay Area.

    Nea Community Learning Center

    Blue checkmark.

    Public School,

    ALAMEDA, CA,

    PK, K-12,

    43 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

    Featured Review: Senior says Nea is truly a wonderful school. The small size of the school allows you to get closer to not only your fellow students, but also teachers and administartion. If you want to do something there is….

    Read 43 reviews.

    Overall Niche Grade: A minus,

    Students: 534,

    Student-Teacher Ratio: 19 to 1,

    View nearby homes Virtual tour

  22. #19 Best Charter Elementary Schools in San Francisco Bay Area

    #19 Best Charter Elementary Schools in San Francisco Bay Area.

    Discovery Charter II

    Blue checkmark.

    Public School,

    SAN JOSE, CA,

    K-8,

    3 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

    Featured Review: Parent says My family has attended Discovery Charter School 2 Falcon Campus for the last 5 years. Teachers are able to follow the childrens’ lead for curriculum, and present opportunities to engage in hands-on activities including many field trips. One concern I had about specific academic needs…Social and emotional needs are supported at the school, and everyone is on the same page, responding to the children using Positive Discipline techniques. Discovery provides the opportunity to stay with teachers for multiple years (looping). Most of the parents regularly volunteer, and you can really create a village here.My children are excited to go to school. Learning is fun and curiosity is encouraged. I am excited my children are enjoying their education, as their experiences there will likely result in….

    Read 3 reviews.

    Overall Niche Grade: A minus,

    Students: 574,

    Student-Teacher Ratio: 22 to 1,

  23. #20 Best Charter Elementary Schools in San Francisco Bay Area

    #20 Best Charter Elementary Schools in San Francisco Bay Area.

    Rocketship Rising Stars

    Public School,

    SAN JOSE, CA,

    K-5,

    Overall Niche Grade: A minus,

    Students: 616,

    Student-Teacher Ratio: 36 to 1,

  24. #21 Best Charter Elementary Schools in San Francisco Bay Area

    #21 Best Charter Elementary Schools in San Francisco Bay Area.

    Village

    Blue checkmark.

    Campbell Union School District, CA,

    K-5,

    1 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

    Featured Review: Parent says Village is an excellent school. The parent involvement is what makes Village School great. The teachers and staff are also very experienced. This is my child’s third year at this school and she has learned so much, not only academically, but she also has developed social and life skills. The school set is small so we feel like we are a big family. If you like parent participation, it is up to the commitment this school requires and want your child that attend a school that is not focus on state tests. This is the right school for you..

    Read 1 reviews.

    Overall Niche Grade: A minus,

    Students: 207,

    Student-Teacher Ratio: 23 to 1,

  25. Review your school

  26. #22 Best Charter Elementary Schools in San Francisco Bay Area

    #22 Best Charter Elementary Schools in San Francisco Bay Area.

    Rocketship Mosaic Elementary School

    Public School,

    SAN JOSE, CA,

    K-5,

    Overall Niche Grade: A minus,

    Students: 616,

    Student-Teacher Ratio: 34 to 1,

  27. #23 Best Charter Elementary Schools in San Francisco Bay Area

    #23 Best Charter Elementary Schools in San Francisco Bay Area.

    Fammatre Elementary School

    Blue checkmark.

    Cambrian School District, CA,

    K-5,

    Overall Niche Grade: A minus,

    Students: 423,

    Student-Teacher Ratio: 24 to 1,

    View nearby homes Virtual tour

  28. #24 Best Charter Elementary Schools in San Francisco Bay Area

    #24 Best Charter Elementary Schools in San Francisco Bay Area.

    Farnham Charter School

    Blue checkmark.

    Cambrian School District, CA,

    K-5,

    Overall Niche Grade: A minus,

    Students: 378,

    Student-Teacher Ratio: 24 to 1,

Not sure what schools you are zoned for?Find out by exploring our school boundary maps. Look up public schools and districts by address or ZIP code.

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    US education privatization brings bad results – Anna Arndt on vc.

    ru

    WP publishes a report by the non-profit advocacy organization Network for Public Education on the results of public school privatization in the US. The report includes an in-depth analysis of state laws and practices regarding so-called charter schools and voucher programs. The authors sound the alarm about dubious control by the states of commercial companies that manage public funds in American schools .

    93
    hits

    Among the identified problems in the privatized programs of schools: no requirement for teachers to have certificates of education; there is no verification of student progress in voucher programs; fully distance learning is allowed, with software and content often supplied by a profit-oriented commercial company; permission to have economic contracts with structures affiliated with management, which leads to a conflict of interest: profit prevails over the desire for a quality educational process; no requirement to publish public spending by private companies. nine0004

    Human rights activists await President Biden’s campaign promise to shut down corporate public school privatization programs. But for now, the $440 million planned for school privatization remains unchanged.

    The privatization of public education is gaining momentum in the US at a time when traditional public schools in the districts are facing the most serious consequences in their history.

    According to a report by the advocacy group Schott Foundation for Public Education, the amount of legislation being pushed by Republicans has greatly increased the number of so-called charter schools* and voucher programs* during the pandemic. Often, laws were passed without guarantees that students, their families, and taxpayers would be protected from the “discrimination, corruption, and fraud” that discredit these programs. nine0005

    * Charter schools are elementary or secondary schools in the United States that are publicly funded but run by private organizations rather than local school districts. They do not charge tuition fees, as they are funded from the state budget. Charter schools are subject to fewer rules than traditional public schools. These schools are for areas where there are not enough public schools open and who want a local school alternative. There are both non-profit and for-profit charter schools, but only non-profit charters can receive donations from private sources. Non-profit charter schools still have several ways to make a profit .

    * School voucher programs are evidence of government funding for students in schools chosen by themselves or their parents. Funding is usually provided for a specific year, semester or semester. In some states, the voucher can be used to cover or reimburse homeschooling expenses. Vouchers are available in 1/3 of US states. To date, there is no evidence that the voucher system improves student achievement .

    A Network for Public Education study last year shows that public schools perform better than privately run schools. Two states – Nebraska and North Dakota received an A + grade, Vermont – A-.

    Researchers note a decline in overall performance from “B” to “C” – there are 15 such states. There are seven fewer states with B grades than in 2018. Schools with a D grade doubled from six to 12. Schools with an F grade also increased: from 17 to 20. nine0005

    School Choice Movement

    Supporters of the School Choice movement (as charter schools and school vouchers are called) believe that privately run schools and vouchers offer an alternative to public school for children from districts lacking educational opportunities. Parents get a choice in where and what their children will study. Critics of the movement say the use of public funding to pay for school “choices” undermines the public education system that educates most children in the US. Such privatization gives non-public schools the right to discriminate against and avoid state control of their activities. nine0005

    The School Choice movement stands out in favor of using public money for private and religious schools.

    New definition of public schools: any school is public if it is funded by taxes. Even private schools receiving government funding should be considered public schools

    Betsy DeVos, former secretary of the Department of Education, and Ron DeSantis, governor of Florida, propose a new definition of public education, as follows: Any school receiving public funding should be considered a public school, even if it is run by a private company.

    School choice advocates may be inspired by the Network for Public Education report, which notes that more schools have been privatized. Critics may start to sound the alarm.

    In the report: “ the privatization of the state education is in its infancy. Privatization has received a lot of support from the right, which controls the passage of many laws. Preserving public schools and local government control is no longer a conservative priority: district-controlled schools are being eradicated through the privatization of choice “.

    The report draws attention to the pace of school privatization, the quality of education, student rights, student protection, school accountability and transparency, as well as the rights of taxpayers.

    What are charter schools and vouchers?

    Charter schools are schools run by private companies but funded by the government. Management private companies in the vast majority of cases have as their goal – to make a profit.

    Voucher programs are when public money is used to pay for private and religious schools or tax credits are offered to people who spend money on these schools.

    Attempts by the presidential administration to regulate privatized education

    The Biden administration recently introduced legislation regulating the federal charter school program to try to fulfill the president’s campaign promise to eliminate federal funding for commercial charter schools. These schools were at the epicenter of big financial scandals. nine0005

    Charter school advocates have opposed the administration’s proposals, saying the change is intended to end federal support for charter schools. However, the budget does not cut federal funding programs, which amount to $440 million.

    Network for Public Education report highlights:

    · Seven states fund homeschooling from the state budget, without checking the quality of education and not monitoring the progress of students. nine0005

    · 19 states do not require school teachers through a voucher certification program (teacher education certificate).

    · 26 states do not require voucher students to take the same tests as students from public and charter schools.

    Even though some laws only allow specialty program vouchers, only two states and the District of Columbia ensure that students with disabilities in voucher programs comply with the Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) when their transition from a public school to a private one. IDEA is a federal law that prohibits discrimination against students with disabilities. nine4% of states ignore IDEA when funding vouchers.

    · 81% of states allow voucher schools to restrict access to schools on religious grounds. 74% of states allow discrimination against students with LGBT parents.

    · Nearly half of the states do not check the qualifications of voucher teachers.

    · Seven states do not require voucher schools to meet state safety and health requirements that public schools follow. nine0005

    More than half of the states have at least one voucher program that costs 50% more than a public school equivalent. In addition, most programs now offer tax credits to students who have never attended a public school. In New Hampshire, $8 million of the state’s budget was spent on private school children through the Education Savings Account (ESA) program*.

    ESA has been found to be a source of fraud. An audit of the program in Arizona found that parents spent more than $700,000 inappropriately. nine0005

    * ESA – Educational Savings Account allows parents to transfer their children from public charter schools to private schools by receiving a deposit of public funds with an indication of the purpose of the funds. These funds, which families typically access through an online platform, can cover tuition and fees at private schools, online learning programs, private tutoring, community college expenses, higher education expenses, and other approved individual learning services and materials. . Some ESAs, but not all, even allow students to use their funds to pay for public school courses and private services .

    · 40 states prioritize vouchers for healthy students over students with disabilities. Four states allow charter schools to enroll students based on academic performance and aptitude tests.

    · In 31 states, charter schools do not have the same discipline protections as public schools.

    · 33% of states either do not require certified teachers or allow exceptions. nine0005

    · 37 states allow full distance learning, with 32 states allowing commercial companies to operate such online education.

    This is despite evidence that all-online education leads to poor student achievement and extremely low test scores.

    Accounts Chamber report on distance education and charter schools

    The US Accountability Office has submitted a report on the results of this training. 56% of fully distance schools were operated by charter schools, with 75% of these schools eligible for profit. The Accounts Chamber report declares a conflict of interest for such a charter school: the goal of such a school to make a profit may well outweigh the desire to provide a quality education to students. nine0005

    The Court of Accounts also noted that all distance schools taught far fewer students with disabilities than usual.

    · 37 states and the District of Columbia allow for-profit companies to operate non-profit charter schools, including through special contracts, to use tax credits for commercial purposes (running the school’s routine operations). In five states, commercial corporations operate 30% of all charter schools.

    Lack of transparency in the management of schools by commercial corporations often leads to fraud and abuse

    · 41 states allow schools to enter into business contracts with companies that are owned by school board members. 19 states do not require disclosure of related transactions.

    In one state, Ohio, contracts between a charter school and affiliated companies were made public. The lack of transparency in the management of charter schools leads to private companies running all of the school’s operations. nine0005

    41 states don’t even require public accounting from these schools.

    37 states do not require the publication of an annual report to the board of the charter school or the state, which would indicate how public funds were spent.

    Fraud and abuse in the management of these schools are often reasons why charter schools close. Forgery of accounting or simply theft is often the basis for the closure of an educational institution.

    Link to article: https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2022/04/18/privatization-of-public-education-gaining-ground/

    Schott Foundation for Public Education Report, 2018: http://schottfoundation.org/sites/default/files/grading-the-states.pdf

    Network for Public Education Report: https://networkforpubliceducation.org/wp- content/uploads/2022/04/Public-Schooling-in-America.pdf

    Pros and cons of working in a Charter School (plus FAQs) • BUOM

    By Indeed Editorial Team

    October 14, 2021

    Charter schools can be a great opportunity for teachers to inspire students to pursue lifelong learning. While charter schools are similar in many ways to public district schools, there are a few key differences between these schools. If you are interested in becoming a teacher at a charter school, you may find it helpful to learn how this type of school works. In this article, we will discuss the definition of a charter school, explain the pros and cons of studying in this kind of institution, and answer some frequently asked questions about this topic. nine0005

    What is a charter school?

    A charter school is an educational institution that has a charter or agreement with an authorizing organization such as a government agency, university, or school district. Although a charter school is exempt from certain state laws and regulations regarding the management of public schools in its contract, it must also meet certain accountability and academic performance requirements. The contract usually describes the school’s mission, educational goals, and financial principles. The Designated Organization approves this “charter deal” and ensures that the school complies with the terms of the contract. nine0005

    Charter schools are educational institutions that receive public funds but operate more independently than regular public district schools. They also offer open admissions to students and free tuition, unlike private schools. Although charter school students take the same grades as public district school students, charter school rules and funding vary widely by state law. Typically, the goal of charter schools is to give educators the freedom to innovate in the curriculum, teaching methods, and classroom activities. nine0005

    The pros and cons of studying at a charter school

    By looking at several aspects of this position, you can determine if a charter school teacher job is right for you. Here are some of the pros and cons of studying at such an institution:

    Pros of studying at a charter school

    Teaching at a charter school can be an exciting and rewarding career path for many candidates. Here are some of the benefits of playing this role:

    • Freedom in the classroom: Charter schools often emphasize the use of creative methods to effectively support students. For example, teachers may have more freedom to help special education or at-risk students reach their potential. nine0005

    • Academic Excellence: Many charter schools allow students to excel in math, reading, and other school subjects. Student performance may vary depending on factors such as funding and government regulation.

    • Positive relationships with parents: Because many parents choose to send their children to charter schools, they often appreciate the efforts of charter school teachers. Educators can work with parents to develop curriculum and implement methods that are appropriate for all students. nine0005

    Cons of studying at a charter school

    There are several things to consider when choosing any job, including charter school teaching. Here are some potential barriers to this position:

    • Controversy: As a nontraditional alternative to the traditional public school choice, charter schools can be the subject of controversy among students, parents, educators, and administrators. Staying strong in your beliefs and expressing enthusiasm for supporting student learning can help you have productive conversations with others. nine0005

    • Long Hours: While not necessarily unique to charter schools, teachers at this institution may work overtime, especially in their first year. Taking breaks and taking time for self-care can help reduce stress and increase job satisfaction.

    • Strict charter terms: While charter schools may have the same barriers as other schools, contract compliance can be difficult. However, with the right staff and leadership, charter schools can succeed. nine0005

    Charter School Job Frequently Asked Questions

    If you are interested in joining the educational field, learning about the work of a charter school teacher can be a great way to develop your career plans. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions on the topic:

    What is it like to work in a charter school?

    In a charter school, teachers usually have more flexibility when it comes to meeting student needs. While they follow the same public academic standards as public schools, they often offer unique curricula and classroom approaches. Some innovative methods that a charter school can use include:

    • Inquiry, Experiential and Project-Based Learning

    • Self-Study and Self-Study

    • Community Based Education

    Are Charter School Teachers Paid Less?

    Teachers in charter schools are not necessarily paid less than teachers in public institutions. Both types of specialists perform similar job duties and receive the same salary. The median teacher salary nationwide is $23,868 per year. As a rule, the more experience and authority you have, the higher your salary can be. Many charter schools require their teachers to be certified in this area. Certifications tend to make candidates more qualified for the job and can increase their earning potential. nine0005

    What is a magnet school compared to a charter school?

    A Magnet School is a public school that specializes in a particular area, such as math, science, or the performing arts. Focusing on the area of ​​interest attracts talented students and encourages high achievement. Magnet schools tend to be more competitive and smaller than charter schools and can only accept a small proportion of applicants. Unlike open admissions to charter schools, specialty schools often conduct entrance examinations and interviews before admitting applicants. nine0005

    How much funding do charter schools receive?

    Charter schools generally receive funding from local, state, and federal sources based on enrollment. They may also receive funds through partnerships with private organizations and public or private grants. Just like public and private schools, charter schools can also raise money through charitable donations.

    Who is in charge of charter schools? nine0159

    Typically, charter schools have a principal or director who is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the institution. This leader may work with the appointed board to oversee the proper running of the school. Unlike public schools, contracted charter schools are accountable to a designated agency, a group that decides whether a school can continue to operate. Such a group could be:

    • Independent Charter Board

    • State Agencies Education

    • Higher educational institutions

    • State bodies

    • Non -profit management of the Charter Management (CMO)

    • Commercial organizations for education management (EMO) 9000

      • and councils

    Are charter schools public or private?

    Some people argue about whether charter schools are public or private because charter schools can vary from state to state and the definition of a public school can be subjective.