Constellation/Charter Schools - Any Experience with These?

[chefsteph07]

Anyone know anything about these or have experience w/ a child in one?
My stepson (13) just got accepted this year to start at the end of the month..they are set up like a private school but they are public.
Smaller class sizes, uniforms, etc. more individual attention. We are hoping that this is what will straighten out his attitude and his grades, kind of a last resort.

If anyone is familiar or has a child in one, can you please share your experiences and what to expect as parents and as a student?

 

[chefann]

I know there have been reports in my area about charter schools not being the solve-all solution because the teachers don't have to be certified, and the facilities often don't include seemingly basic school rooms like gyms.

 

[Crystal Patton]

I don't have personal info (my kids are too young) BUT I have heard from other mothers that it really depends on the school. If this one doesn't work for him try another one. They can be very different and you may just need to find the right fit.

I think it's great that you are doing this for him. Keep up the good work!!

 

[ChefBeckyD]

The Charter Schools in this area are highly thought of, and offer a full range of extra-curricular activites (I've set up a vendor table for a fundraiser in the gymnasium of a couple of them).

My brothers kids went to one, it had a waiting list, and I know that they had much stricter rules and higher academic standards than the public schools in the area. There was also a mandatory parental involvement. Parents had to volunteer to help with activities in order for their kids to go there.

I guess Charter Schools are like anything else - you get the good and the bad, depending on the one you choose.

 

[chefsteph07]

The Charter Schools in this area are highly thought of, and offer a full range of extra-curricular activites (I've set up a vendor table for a fundraiser in the gymnasium of a couple of them).

My brothers kids went to one, it had a waiting list, and I know that they had much stricter rules and higher academic standards than the public schools in the area. There was also a mandatory parental involvement. Parents had to volunteer to help with activities in order for their kids to go there.

I guess Charter Schools are like anything else - you get the good and the bad, depending on the one you choose.

Yes, this is like how they are here. There was a waiting list, ss mom applied for him right after his regular school ended and she called me yesterday stating they called him and there was an open space for him so we are going to go for it. There is mandatory parental involvement and they have high academic standards, which he needs. He also needs the smaller classroom with more attention and they also focus on family values and moral character, which we thought was wonderful.

We feel honored that he was accepted, and we hope that working w/ his teachers will help ss more than his regular public school. We don't want him falling through the cracks, which is what we started to see happening. Thanks for your input Becky!

 

[ChefBeckyD]

Yes, this is like how they are here. There was a waiting list, ss mom applied for him right after his regular school ended and she called me yesterday stating they called him and there was an open space for him so we are going to go for it. There is mandatory parental involvement and they have high academic standards, which he needs. He also needs the smaller classroom with more attention and they also focus on family values and moral character, which we thought was wonderful.

We feel honored that he was accepted, and we hope that working w/ his teachers will help ss more than his regular public school. We don't want him falling through the cracks, which is what we started to see happening. Thanks for your input Becky!

You're welcome. If it's like the ones I'm familiar with, be prepared for tons of homework!

If the Public School System that we are in wasn't so good, I would consider making the drive to a charter school in one of the neighboring districts. There are no charter schools in my district - but the districts surrounding us have them. We are very blessed, in that our schools are so good, that there is a "school of choice" waiting list of students trying to get in here, too!

Good luck with this!

 

[ShanaSmith]

My son goes to one. Last year was the first year for the school. It was really great. All of the teachers are qualitied, certified teachers, and had to go through a tough hiring process. They incourage parent involvement, but it is not required.

Our school is based on the concept of visual learning and creating gifted learners. All students (starting in K) at taught spanish and sign language. No we don't have a gym as someone mentioned, but we have full time PC teachers that work with the kids several times a week, much more than regular public school students are getting in this area.

The biggest differences I see are, the differnce in the way we are able to use our state funding and the level of parent commitment.

 

[etteluap70PC]

My son goes to one. Last year was the first year for the school. It was really great. All of the teachers are qualitied, certified teachers, and had to go through a tough hiring process. They incourage parent involvement, but it is not required.

Our school is based on the concept of visual learning and creating gifted learners. All students (starting in K) at taught spanish and sign language. No we don't have a gym as someone mentioned, but we have full time PC teachers that work with the kids several times a week, much more than regular public school students are getting in this area.

The biggest differences I see are, the differnce in the way we are able to use our state funding and the level of parent commitment.

I might be brain dead today... what is a PC teacher?

 

[ShanaSmith]

oops PE teachers! my baby was helping me type that and I wasn't paying too much attention

 

[Crystal Patton]

oops PE teachers! my baby was helping me type that and I wasn't paying too much attention

LOL - At first I thought - Wow! They teach Pampered Chef?

I have had to go back and edit things I posted because my small people 'helped' too. Thanks for the chuckle this morning.