A new poll confirms a marketing problem between the charter school movement and the average Joe. Most Americans are quite confused and some are just wrong regarding characteristics of charter schools.
The 41st Annual Phi Delta Kappa/Gallup Poll of the Public’s Attitudes Toward the Public Schools – Americans Speak Out finds that only 45% of Americans know that a charter school is a public school. In addition, 46% of Americans think charter schools can teach religion, 57% think charter schools can charge tuition and 71% believe charter schools can select students based on ability.
Wrong. Wrong. Wrong!
Charter schools are PUBLIC SCHOOLS. They cannot teach religion, charge tuition, or be selective in their admissions policy. For more information on what a charter school looks like, please refer to our Charter School Q&A and share it with others. Charter schools have quite a mountain to climb to make sure parents truly understand the structure, laws, and benefits of charter schools.
– Brooke Terry