What You Should Know About Charter Schools

Charter schools are tuition-free public schools of choice financed through local, state, and federal funds which are operated independently of the local school boards. Each charter school has its own unique mission that reflects the vision of the school’s founders. Charter schools must meet the educational needs of their students, and must achieve the goals laid out in their charter.

• They are open to all students.

• They are pioneers and innovators – they are mission driven schools created by educators who envision a school committed to a particular purpose and philosophy.

• They are appealing to teachers because they can harness the often stifled energy of innovative and experienced educators.

• They are meeting parent’s needs by providing education CHOICE. Charter school legislation honors the right of parents to make informed choices about their child’s education by tying state education money to the child, not to the neighborhood school.

• They play an important part in school reform by serving as research and development centers for the public education system.

• They have a record of high student achievement. Most charter schools are succeeding in their mandate. When they fail, they are closed, not unlike a business. To date, less than 9% of charter schools have been closed nationwide.

• They are committed to improving public education.

• They are part of the public education system.

Policies

• Educational Program
• Staff Personnel Policies

Our Charter

North Star’s original charter document was approved by Joint School District No. 2 on May 27, 2003. The high school amendment was approved on March 13, 2007.

• March 13, 2007 Amendment
• May 27, 2003 Charter