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Charter Schools

Charter schools are tuition-free, tax-funded public schools that have been given more flexibility and autonomy than district-operated schools. In California, most are run by nonprofit boards of directors. As of the fall of 2016, California’s 1,254 charter schools enrolled 602,837 students — for the first time serving 1 in 10 of California’s public school students.
August 19, 2018

San Jose district draws the line — to no avail — on adding another charter school

East Side Union in San Jose says state law should let districts consider a charter district's financial impact when deciding a charter application.

John Fensterwald
August 16, 2018

One California charter school's struggle for approval and a building close to its parents

Promise Academy disagreements with San Jose Unified mirror tensions escalating statewide over charter schools.

John Fensterwald
August 13, 2018

Gary Hart, author of California’s charter school law, reflects on its impact

Although former Sen. Gary Hart never imagined there would be 1,200 charter schools, overall he’s pleased. He would set up a different appeals process for charters whose applications have been rejected.

John Fensterwald
August 5, 2018

After quarter century of rapid expansion, charter school growth slowing in California

The slowdown could increase competition among parents and students to get into the most sought-after charter schools.

Louis Freedberg and John Fensterwald
August 1, 2018

Many charter schools fail to disclose spending on low-income students, report says

Out of 70 LCAPs selected, Public Advocates couldn’t find 27 online and most of the 43 reviewed lacked key spending data and evidence of parent involvement.

John Fensterwald
July 24, 2018

Preparing teachers to personalize their classrooms

Summit charter schools' teacher residency program is the first to focus on personalized learning.

Joanne Jacobs
July 23, 2018

Charter school network spreads 'personalized learning' model nationwide

With help from Facebook, an online learning platform helps personalize instruction and allows students to progress at their own pace.

Joanne Jacobs
July 23, 2018

L.A. school board member resigns after pleading guilty to campaign money laundering

Ref Rodriguez's resignation ends the charter-backed majority on the Los Angeles Unified school board. Replacement plans are uncertain.

Larry Gordon
July 17, 2018

Oakland charter school approved amid concerns over fiscal impact on district

California Department of Education official calls state's charter school laws outdated and says they are in need of revision.

Theresa Harrington
June 19, 2018

In race for California governorship, Newsom and Villaraigosa pledge unity

Newsom also pledges, if elected governor, to sign legislation that would require greater transparency in the operations and finances of charter schools.

Louis Freedberg and Mikhail Zinshteyn
June 5, 2018

Surge of funds from pro-charter advocates backs Villaraigosa in last leg of primary campaign

Contributions to independent expenditure committees set up by charter school advocates to back Villaraigosa near $23 million.

Louis Freedberg
May 31, 2018

Where the two leading candidates for California superintendent stand on the issues

Tony Thurmond and Marshall Tuck aren't as far apart as millions spent for and against them would imply.

John Fensterwald and Yuxuan Xie
May 30, 2018

California governor’s race: Dems agree on child care, higher spending; differ on districts rejecting charters based on financial impact

The candidates differ on how they would work toward their goals to improve education in California.

Nico Savidge
May 23, 2018

California superintendent candidates oppose big money from special interests

Marshall Tuck and Tony Thurmond also challenge attempts to categorize either of them as “pro” or “anti-charter.”

Nico Savidge
May 16, 2018

Charter school backers' support for former LA mayor's bid for governor grows

Contribution of $2 million from San Francisco philanthropist William Oberndorf boosts contributions to independent expenditure committee backing Villaraigosa to just over $16 million

Louis Freedberg and Nico Savidge