In 1997, the Ohio Legislature passed a law allowing charter schools to operate in Ohio. Since then, the number of charter schools — also called "community schools" — has grown to 267 around the state, with more than 42 operating within the Cincinnati Public School District.
The large number of local charter schools can present a confusing picture of public education in Cincinnati and can raise questions for parents about which schools will best serve their children. Most charter schools are relatively new, with limited experience in the field of public education and often are unproven in terms of how they educate students.
Overall, Cincinnati Public Schools' students score higher on state tests than students in charter schools, and CPS hires teachers with better qualifications and more experience than the charter schools. CPS students have the advantage of attending schools within an established district, with highly qualified teachers and an honored history and tradition.
Charter schools are public schools, but most of them operate outside the control of the local school district. Charter schools are not held accountable to all the state and federal education laws that traditional public schools must follow. As a public school, a charter school may not discriminate in their student enrollment, cannot teach religion and cannot charge tuition.
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about charter schools:
How well do charter schools perform overall compared to Cincinnati Public Schools?
Answer: Cincinnati Public Schools' students outperformed students in 82 percent of the charter schools in Hamilton County, according to a 2005 study of Ohio Department of Education data by the Coalition of Public Education. To view scores from the Ohio proficiency tests taken by all students, go to the ODE Web site.
Are charter schools' teachers held to the same standards as other public schools?
Answer: No. There are significant differences in terms of teacher employment between charters and traditional public schools. For example, charter teachers are not required to teach in the subject area or grade in which they are licensed. Only 31 percent of charter school teachers nationally are ranked as highly qualified compared to 93 percent of traditional public school teachers.
Are charter schools part of Cincinnati Public Schools?
Answer: No. Charter schools have their own staffs, curriculum and boards. CPS does sponsor one charter schools for children with specific needs — the Lighthouse Community School — but this charter school is not operated by CPS.
Do you know how to tell if your child attends a charter school or a Cincinnati Public School?
Answer: Review the district’s Web site, or call CPS’ Customer Help Center, 513-363-0123 to see if your child’s school is operated by the Cincinnati Public School District.
Can a child return to Cincinnati Public Schools if the parent is not satisfied with a charter school?
Answer: Yes, CPS welcomes every child — at any time — to enroll in our district. To learn more about school options in Cincinnati Public Schools, browse the web site or call CPS’ Customer Help Center, 513-363-0123.