What Makes a Charter School Different?

What exactly is a Charter School? Is it public or private? What does the “charter” part mean?

A charter is a written agreement that gives authority to another group to operate a school. That is why they are called Charter Schools. Not all charter schools are the same because charter agreements differ from group to group. 

One major way that a charter school is different is in how it is governed. A school board can approve a charter school, however, it doesn’t govern the charter school. The charter school is governed by its own Board of Directors. In this way the school has more freedom in choosing its curriculum and how it will operate.

Cloud Peak Academy, like the other schools in Sheridan County, desires to have successful students and teachers. But not all students fit into one category. We hope that our school will apply to the needs of those who don’t fit into the traditional mold. 

Typically, charter school teachers have more liberty in how they teach. This opens up opportunities and allows creation. Teachers are such a valuable asset to our community. We want to provide them with what they need to be successful.

Not only do charter schools need to meet the requirements of federal and state regulations in educating students, they also need to meet the charter agreement. Cloud Peak Academy is keenly aware of our accountability to the choices we make for the school. This accountability will keep us on target in reaching the goals for the school. It keeps us responsible to the students, their families and the community. 

Here is another article from the Center for Education Reform called Just the FAQs – Charter Schools. It has a lot of information about charter schools in general and how they are different. 

At Cloud Peak Academy we value families and teachers. We want to create a learning community of success.