What are charter schools?
Charter schools are public schools that are operated via performance-based agreements between either the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) or a local school board and a non-profit corporation. They are exempt from some of the state laws and regulations that apply to traditional public schools in exchange for being held accountable for specific outcome expectations relative to student academic performance, finance, and governance. Charter schools that fail to meet those expectations can be closed.
Charter schools are publicly funded, must adhere to state open meeting laws, and are required to admit all students and use a lottery if applications exceed capacity. Students must take the same exams as students attending traditional public schools. There are approximately 150 charter schools in Louisiana – all open enrollment, but some having special missions and academic offerings. There are several different types of charter schools, based on how they were authorized. Access Louisiana charter school resources, including information about starting a charter school, here. Detailed information about specific charter schools can be found on Louisiana’s School Finder dashboard.
New Schools Louisiana offers strategic advice and support in starting a successful charter school in Louisiana.
What's Next?
Louisiana can grow its successful charter school portfolio by continuing to streamline the process for applying to open a charter school, honoring charter schools’ independence and autonomy, and accelerating the replication of high-performing charter schools with long waitlists indicating high family demand. The state should not require charter school applicants to first apply to a local public school board, but instead, should permit applicants to seek authorization from and partner with local school boards or the state (BESE). Charter schools can also enhance their offerings by incorporating creative programming, serving as laboratories of innovation, and modeling effective academic strategy, fiscal management, and governance for traditional public schools.
Click here to learn about an exciting, unique type of charter school that partners with businesses, universities, and other organizations to serve students, communities, and regional economies throughout Louisiana!
