Frequently Asked Questions

What is a charter school?

Charter schools are public, nonsectarian schools that are open to every child. They are tuition free, publicly funded and accountable to the public. A charter school operates under a contract (charter) between the school and the sponsoring school board or other public chartering authority. Under Wisconsin’s law, charter schools are free from most state regulations that apply to conventional (non-charter) public schools. They have more flexibility to innovate in exchange for greater accountability. A school that fails to measure up can be closed by its sponsor. The school’s charter details its mission, programs, finances, governance, and methods of assessment. The contract’s term cannot exceed five years and is renewable. Charter school teachers must be licensed by the Department of Public Instruction. Charter school students take state tests required of other public school students. Charter schools may not discriminate in admissions, programs or activities.

Who can sponsor a charter school?

An unlimited number of charter schools may be sponsored by school boards. The City of Milwaukee, UW–Milwaukee, and Milwaukee Area Technical College, and Milwaukee School Board may authorize charter schools that are located within the Milwaukee School District. State law also allows the UW-Parkside to sponsor one K-8 charter school.

How are charter schools funded?

When a school board sponsors a charter school, the contract between the school board and the school specifies the amount of district funds that will support the charter school. The state shares in the school costs through the state school aids program. Charter schools sponsored by the City of Milwaukee, UW-Milwaukee, Milwaukee Area Technical College or UW-Parkside receive a direct state payment, based on a state per pupil formula. Federally funded grants for charter school planning, implementation and dissemination are available through the Department of Public Instruction.

Who’s accountable for results?

Accountability is central to the charter schools initiative. Charter schools are accountable to parents and students who choose the school and to their sponsors under a legally binding contract. Schools must also abide by state and federal laws regarding testing, teacher certification, health and safety requirements, nondiscrimination and special education. State law specifies that a sponsoring school board can revoke a charter if the school violates its contract, its students fail to make sufficient progress in attaining the state’s educational goals or the school violates the charter school law.

What qualifications are required of charter school teachers?

Educators who choose to teach in charter schools must be enthusiastic, creative, flexible and committed to learning – both for their students and themselves. Any person certificated as a teacher by the DPI can be a charter school teacher. A DPI charter school license allows teachers to teach any subject or grade.

How does one start a charter school in Wisconsin?

Many charter schools are started by a committed individual or small group that has a vision for a new school. Parents, educators, and other enterprising individuals are often involved in the initial planning and start-up of new schools. Allowing sufficient time, perhaps two years or longer, to develop the vision and mission, curriculum, governance structure and implementation strategy is key to the success of the charter school. Engaging families, educators, students, community leaders and the potential sponsor in planning helps ensure the school’s success.

There are two methods under which local school boards may authorize charter schools. The most common is for a school board, on its own initiative, to sponsor a charter school by contracting with a person or group to operate the school. A school board may also decide to authorize a charter school after receiving a written petition. The petition must be signed by a specified number of teachers employed by the district. The process differs in Milwaukee, where the City of Milwaukee, UW-Milwaukee and the Milwaukee Area Technical College, in addition to the Milwaukee School Board, can authorize charter schools. UW-Parkside may sponsor one charter school. Charter school planners should familiarize themselves with state law and the application procedures and policies of their school board or other potential authorizers.

Do charter schools provide special education programs and services?

Yes. As public schools, charter schools are obliged to serve all children who enroll --including children with disabilities. In fact, many charter school founders are motivated by a desire to better serve children with disabilities and children-at-risk. It’s important to understand that the state’s broad exemption from state regulations does not exempt charter schools from any federal law or regulation.

Can community-based organizations play a role in charter schools?

Yes. Organizations such as museums, hospitals, environmental groups, universities, businesses, social service agencies, and labor groups can help plan and design charter schools. Developing curriculum and assessment strategies, serving on governing boards, helping with day-to-day management and providing school sites are additional ways these groups can contribute. Charter schools affiliated with community-based organizations, like all charter schools, must be schools of choice, operate in a nondiscriminatory manner, and be non-religious.