Did you Know?
• Nationwide, California has the largest number of charter schools serving the largest number of students
• There are currently more than 800 charter schools with over 285,000 students enrolled
• 85% of charter schools are start-up; 15% are conversion
• 77% of charter schools are site-based and 23% are nonclassroom based
• Of the 58 counties in California, 50 have charter schools. Los Angeles County has the largest number of charter schools (193), followed by San Diego County (74)
• 71% of California charter schools are direct funded; 29% are funded through their authorizing agency
So What’s the Problem?• Charter schools, though successful in raising student achievement, are closing their doors due to their lack of knowledge about managing the business and fiscal requirements of their schools.
• As of 2007-08, 949 charter schools had been created in California since 1992-93; only 692 charters, or 72%, were still active in 2007-08.
• CDE data shows nearly two-thirds (65%) of all charter schools that closed since 2004 reported positive trends in API growth and failed for reasons unrelated to successful academic performance.
• Both the authorizers with oversight responsibility and the charter schools they serve need to better understand and meet their respective responsibilities.
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