About Charter Schools

CCSC is a  Commonwealth Public Charter School. Commonwealth Charter Schools are tuition-free schools that operate outside of the local school district’s control. Managed by a Board of Trustees, a public charter school has the freedom to organize around a core mission, philosophy, and curriculum, and to control its own budget, program, and staffing. Public charter schools are highly accountable to parents and the community and must participate in all state-wide testing (MCAS) as well as meet No Child Left Behind expectations.  Click here to visit a website  featuring charter schools across the United States.

Charter School Myths… and Reality

Myth: Charter schools do not perform well academically.

Reality: In 2003, Massachusetts Commonwealth charter schools outperformed their district schools on MCAS tests.

Charter schools are held strictly accountable for students’ academic performance. They must reapply for certification every five years and are subject to rigorous annual inspections by the Massachusetts Department of Education.

Myth: Charter schools take only the best students.

Reality: By law, students are chosen to attend public charter schools using a strictly random lottery process.

There are no requirements for admission beyond residency and completion of appropriate grade in school. CCSC  conducts outreach to ensure that students from across the city have the opportunity to enter the lottery.

Myth: Charter schools take money away from public schools.

Reality: Charter schools ARE public schools.

Dollars that go to public charter schools remain in the community. In return, public charter schools offer parents choice, new approaches to teaching and learning, as well as the benefits of small size and self-governance.