Charter Schools F.A.Q. (Frequently Asked Questions)
PUC Nueva Esperanza Charter Academy is a charter school. Want to learn more about charter schools? Below are some frequently asked questions on the topic.
1. Are charter schools public schools?
Yes. Charter schools are public, free and open to all.
2. Who can attend charter public schools?
Anyone! Charter schools are open to all students and do not have special eligibility or entrance requirements. Charter public schools are built on the belief that every student should have the chance to go to a great school that puts their needs first, regardless of zip code, income or ability level.
3. What makes charter public schools different from other public schools?
We all know a “one-size fits all” approach doesn’t work when it comes to education. Charter schools offer the personal attention, creativity and passionate teaching that kids need to learn. Charter public schools are free from bureaucratic restrictions and red tape that gets between students, teachers and learning. In exchange, charter schools are held to high performance standards.
4. How are charter public schools held accountable?
Charter schools put the needs of students first, not the interests of the bureaucracy. Every family at a charter school made a choice to be there – and will choose another public school if that school doesn’t meet their needs. To ensure charter schools meet that high standard for all families, they are accountable to the same state and federal public education laws and undergo extensive oversight by a charter school authorizer. All PUC schools are authorized by the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD).
Charter schools are publicly funded and open to ALL students and therefore are free. Like all public schools, they also raise funds and receive donations to help support students. 99% of charter public schools are managed by not-for-profit organizations. Note: all PUC schools are managed by non-profit corporations (Partnerships to Uplift Communities Lakeview Terrace, Partnerships to Uplift Communities Los Angeles, & Partnerships to Uplift Communities Valley).
6. Who teaches at charter public schools?
The passionate and dedicated teachers at our schools are required to have the same credentials as teachers at any other type of public school in California.
7. How are charter public schools doing at preparing students for success?
Charter public schools in California combine the key ingredients for an excellent public education – great teachers, motivated students and involved parents – and focus on preparing students for success in college, careers and life. As a result, charter public schools are graduating more students and sending more kids to college than other types of public schools in the state.
8. How do charter public schools help California’s public school system?
Public education is the backbone of the American Dream. Our schools are an important part of strengthening California’s public school system. Charter public schools offer more kids an opportunity for a great public education at schools that put their needs first.