As SchoolChoice unfolds and families consider their options, you may hear questions about the differences between charter schools and other public schools. In a city that has a “portfolio” approach to public schools - including “traditional” public schools, charter schools, innovation schools and magnet programs, it can be very confusing for parents. Below, we have outlined answers to some common questions you may encounter when talking to parents, students or community members during the school choice window.
Are charter schools public schools?
Yes. All Charters in Colorado, by law comply with the following:
Charter school programs and academic designs are as diverse as the students they enroll. Charter schools have more flexibility on certain things like how they hire teachers, the curriculum they use, and other decisions about how the school runs. Some charters implement longer school days or years, while others implement curricula specifically designed for at-risk students.
DSST has a unique approach to education which includes a rigorous academic model, a college success focus, a focus on values and community and a belief in socio economic and racially integrated schools.
How are charter schools funded?
What normally district-run things do charter schools have autonomy over?
Unlike district run schools, charters have the power to hire school directors and leaders at their discretion. Hiring, salary schedules, staff evaluation, and promotion are examples of decisions that charter schools can make.
Charter schools have independent boards of directors that are nominated or assigned. The board is responsible for governing the school and following the charter for the school. The board defines the mission of the school and holds staff accountable for meeting established goals.
Charter schools have autonomy to spend funds within any restrictions set from the source of the funding. Mill levy (district specific) funding may have restrictions approved by the voters, Title funding has restrictions that must be met in order to receive the federal dollars. Charter schools are required to post financial transparency information on their website, and are held accountable by both districts, the state, and federal government.
Charter schools have the autonomy to make decisions on facility use & maintenance, food services, transportation and safety. In some cases charter schools have the option to purchase these services from districts or to contract for them independently. Because of the value and scale at which DPS can provide these services, DSST purchases them from DPS when they are offered.
Do charters have the same accountability as traditional public schools (also referred to as district-run public schools)
Yes. Our Schools are chartered through Denver Public Schools (DPS) which means that the DPS School Board, a publicly elected body, can determine whether our schools can or can't continue to operate within the school district. Public charter schools are also accountable to the same standards and assessments as all other public schools in the district and the state.
What is the difference between a Charter School and an Innovation School in Denver?
Charter schools are independently operated and have complete autonomy from the district in terms curriculum and instruction, human capital, governance model, fiscal management, and school operations as mentioned above.
Innovation schools are district run schools that have limited autonomy based on the innovation plans they submit and have approved by the school board. They can choose from certain waivers that they wish to have autonomy over.
What is the difference between a Charter School and a Magnet school in Denver?
Charter schools are schools are independently operated and have complete autonomy from the district in terms curriculum and instruction, human capital, governance model, fiscal management, and school operations as mentioned above. Additionally, charter schools may choose to focus on a specific area for academic focus. Students are placed in charter schools based on lottery. Students are placed in magnet schools based on application.
Magnet schools are district run schools that may offer a specific academic focus and may require application for admission.
Is DSST part of the Denver Public School System? Are DSST Students DPS students?
Yes. While DSST is run independently of DPS, DSST students are still considered DPS students as DSST is authorized and is held accountable by the DPS school board. Some administrative services such as nutrition, school safety, and facility repairs (see below for additional information on the management of DSST facilities) are managed by DPS.
How are DSST facilities managed?
DSST currently leases all of its facilities from DPS. As a part of this, DPS provides facility management / custodial staffing, handles maintenance and repairs, services building security and covers expenses such as utilities.
Are charter schools trying to privatize public education?
No. Similar to schools operated by the district, charter schools are funded by local state and federal tax dollars. Two major misconceptions about charter schools are that they are “for profit” schools that charge fees and tuition to attend, and that charter schools take funding from traditional schools. With very few exceptions, almost all charter schools and charter networks in the state, including DSST, are non-profit organizations that are tuition free and open to everyone. Like any school, charter schools and networks have to make budget decisions every year in terms of where to spend the limited funding we receive.
Thank you for helping us in our student recruitment efforts! If you have any additional questions, please reach out to Stefanie Gilary at stefanie.gilary@scienceandtech.org if you have any questions.