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Recently, the charter school sector has faced a barrage of negative attacks and misinformation. It is crucial to shed light on the truth and dispel the misconceptions surrounding charter schools. Contrary to the rhetoric, the Rochester City School District (RCSD) receives significant advantages compared to charter schools. Let's examine some of the facts and untangle the reality.
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Funding Disparity: One of the key aspects to consider is the funding disparity between the RCSD and charter schools. While the district receives about $28,000 per student, among the highest in the nation, charter schools receive less than 60% of that amount per student. Moreover, the RCSD receives its buildings for free, whereas charter schools must incorporate the cost of facilities into their budgets. This financial discrepancy places charter schools at a disadvantage, requiring them to fundraise and rely on generous donors to bridge the funding gap.
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Achievement and Proficiency Rates: When it comes to graduation rates, ELA and Math proficiencies, Rochester ranks near the bottom nationally. In contrast, charter schools such as Vertus, Eugenio, and UPREP have demonstrated commendable graduation rates. Additionally, in terms of proficiency rates on state tests administered to all students in grades 3-8, only 16% of RCSD students tested proficient in English Language Arts (ELA) versus 31% in the charter schools, and only 14% of RCSD students scored proficient in Mathematics versus 40% in the charter schools. Discovery Charter School reported ELA and Mathematics proficiency rates of 58% and 83% respectively. One of EDceptional’s highest priorities is helping the charter schools raise their proficiency rates substantially above current levels.
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Unique Offerings: Charter schools offer a diverse range of educational opportunities that complement traditional schooling methods. Renaissance Charter School, for example, provides an unmatched integrated arts curriculum, fostering creativity and innovation among students. Rochester Prep Charter School's success is exemplified by the eight scholars it sent to the esteemed RIT (Rochester Institute of Technology) in 2023, showcasing the effectiveness of their academic programs.
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Parental Choice: The demand for charter school seats is evident, as demonstrated by the overwhelming number of applications received compared to the limited available spaces. Last year alone, the GoodSchoolsRoc website received over 88,000 visits. There were over 16,000 applications for less than 3,000 open spots, highlighting the desire of parents to have more charter school options. However, despite the clear demand, the RCSD seems intent on restricting parents' right to choose the educational path for their children.
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Seeking Collaboration: Contrary to the perception that charter schools are detached from the district, the charter sector has repeatedly expressed its willingness to partner and collaborate with the RCSD. It is disheartening to note that the district seems unwilling to embrace these collaborative efforts, hindering potential opportunities for positive change and innovation.
It is essential to separate fact from fiction when discussing charter schools. The truth is that charter schools face numerous challenges, including funding disparities, yet they continue to achieve commendable results and provide unique educational offerings. They are a huge bargain for the taxpayer – better results at much lower cost. We readily admit though, that we can and will do better. The overwhelming demand for charter school seats demonstrates the desire of parents for more educational choices. It is our hope that everyone recognizes the value of collaboration and works towards a more inclusive educational landscape, where all students have access to the opportunities they deserve.
Please look for opportunities to support our efforts in the near future. In April, we will take a dozen education leaders and board members to visit the school system in New Orleans. We will invite education experts around the country to Rochester to meet with school leaders in May. We even look to gather all community members who want better in education to a Main Street rally in June. We believe that EVERY child can learn. So we will not quit until EVERY child is learning.
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April 1 Lottery Deadline
GoodSchoolsRoc.org, the application portal for Rochester charter schools, started off 2024 with more applications than ever before. There are 14 charter schools with 27 locations in Rochester enrolling more than 8,500 students. Applications are accepted year-round, yet parents are encouraged to apply by the April 1st lottery deadline to maximize the chances of their children being accepted at their first choice school.
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EDceptional Names First “Pursuit of Excellence” Grant Recipient | |
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Sara Castner, director, Discovery Charter School, received an EDceptional Pursuit of Excellence Grant, providing leadership opportunities to improve school outcomes. Last year, through EDceptional support, Dr. Castner attended a year-long program with the Leverage Leadership Institute program, aimed at helping school leaders improve effectiveness and performance.
This year, Dr. Castner has led a remarkable rise in student achievement on state test scores, with 83% of students proficient in math and 58% in ELA, the highest in the city.
EDceptional has issued an invitation for other charter school leaders to attend the program or a summer program at Harvard University in the coming year, as strong leadership is one of the keys to high performance.
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“I Know What’s Best for My Children’s Education” | |
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One local mom shared with the Rochester Beacon why she urges elected officials to support school choice.
“My children deserve a quality education that prepares them for the real world, and I will fight as hard as I can to make that possible. I have a voice, and I am going to use it,” explained Leigha Gordon, who has seen her children flourish by attending a Rochester charter school.
Photo credit: Rochester Beacon
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Parents Urged to Enroll by the Lottery Deadline | |
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As enrollment at Rochester charter schools continues to increase, Sebrone Johnson, CEO, sat down with Channel 10’s Berkeley Brean about the increase in demand.
With more than 16,000 applications received in 2023, parents are encouraged to apply by the April 1 lottery deadline.
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A Voice for School Choice in Rochester | |
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We believe Rochester parents should have a choice in their child’s education. In a recent RCSD Board of Education Critical Business Meeting, Charter School Hearing & Policy/CIGR COW, some board members called for a moratorium on charter schools in Rochester, limiting parents options and forcing them to choose district schools.
Local educator and anti-racist activist Howard J. Eagle shared his perspectives on the meeting, which took place February 6. Read his commentary on why charter schools are so needed in Rochester.
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Urban Charter Schools Demonstrate Potential to Improve Student Performance | |
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New research out of the University of Michigan reports that urban charter schools following a high academic and behavioral approach produced substantial gains in standardized test scores and college enrollment.
The analysis showed a trend in improving college attendance for lower income, non-White and special education students. The review shows that urban charter schools “dramatically” improved students’ performance in math and reading compared to traditional public schools.
The study reported that practices conducted by urban charter schools emphasized "stricter discipline, extended learning time, high achievement expectations, tutoring, strong school culture, teacher quality, and data-driven instruction and school leadership," yielding higher results for students.
Read more:
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Rochester high school students showcase college-level projects in partnership with RIT | |
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