Types of School Choice
Public
Financed through federal, state, and local taxes, public schools are part of a
larger school system, which functions as a part of the government and must
follow the rules and regulations set by politicians.
Private
A private school is a private business or nonprofit entity that offers or conducts full-time instruction with a full complement of subjects at the elementary, middle, or high school level. Private schools function outside the jurisdiction of the California Department of Education (CDE) and most state education regulations. Private schools do not participate in California’s educational accountability system and are directly accountable to students and their parents or guardians, based on the terms of the private school enrollment contract.
Charter
Defining charter schools is difficult because state laws that govern them
are so different. However, charter schools generally share three
characteristics:
-They are public schools - free to attend, publicly funded, part of the
state school system, and accountable to public bodies for their results
-They are schools of choice, so they do not enroll students solely based on
where they live
-They are privately managed by an organization that has a charter, or
contract, with an authorizer.
Magnet
Magnet schools are public schools that often have a specialized function like science, technology or art. These magnet schools, unlike charter schools, are not open to all children. Much like many private schools, there are some (but not all) magnet schools that require a test to get in.
Voucher Programs
Proposals to provide families with public funds to be used at the public or private school of choice. Provides families with the opportunity and ability to select their own educational option of choice regardless of income. Available in select states only.
Financed through federal, state, and local taxes, public schools are part of a
larger school system, which functions as a part of the government and must
follow the rules and regulations set by politicians.
Private
A private school is a private business or nonprofit entity that offers or conducts full-time instruction with a full complement of subjects at the elementary, middle, or high school level. Private schools function outside the jurisdiction of the California Department of Education (CDE) and most state education regulations. Private schools do not participate in California’s educational accountability system and are directly accountable to students and their parents or guardians, based on the terms of the private school enrollment contract.
Charter
Defining charter schools is difficult because state laws that govern them
are so different. However, charter schools generally share three
characteristics:
-They are public schools - free to attend, publicly funded, part of the
state school system, and accountable to public bodies for their results
-They are schools of choice, so they do not enroll students solely based on
where they live
-They are privately managed by an organization that has a charter, or
contract, with an authorizer.
Magnet
Magnet schools are public schools that often have a specialized function like science, technology or art. These magnet schools, unlike charter schools, are not open to all children. Much like many private schools, there are some (but not all) magnet schools that require a test to get in.
Voucher Programs
Proposals to provide families with public funds to be used at the public or private school of choice. Provides families with the opportunity and ability to select their own educational option of choice regardless of income. Available in select states only.