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Community Corner

Mom's Talk Q & A: Charter Schools

Is "charter" an important word for your child's education?

There's certainly a lot of chatter in Sandy Springs about charter schools. Woodland Elementary will operate without a charter for at least one year, and North Springs is currently renewing their charter.

What does all that mean?

According to the Georgia Department of Education, a charter school is a public school that operates according to the terms of a charter, or contract, that has been approved by a local board of education and the State Board of Education.

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The charter school may request waivers from any state or local rule, regulation, policy, or procedure relating to schools in the school district. In exchange for this flexibility, the charter school is bound by contract to be held accountable for meeting the performance-based objectives specified in the charter.

Though understanding the definition is important, the main importance is how it translates to your child's education.

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"After our children left a charter school for a non-charter school, I have to admit I have not noticed any difference at all," said Jesscia Jones, a Sandy Springs Patch Mom's Council. "I really believe that our happiness with a school is based more on the teachers. If we get the right teachers for our children's needs we tend to have a good school year."

What does the word "charter" mean to you as a parent?

Is it important to you that your child attends a charter school?

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