The Issue: Since 1997, Pennsylvania families have had the right to send their children to public charter schools. The school districts and the special interest groups that represent them oppose the competition for students, arguing that they know what’s best for children better than parents.

The special interest groups will say anything to take away our educational options. Learn the facts about public charter schools.

FACT: Tax money follows the student from their home school district to a public charter school.

FACT: Cyber charter schools offer the same rigorous coursework as district schools.

FACT: Charter schools are directly accountable to the authorizing school board and the Pennsylvania Department of Education, who have the authority to renew or not to renew a school’s charter.

FACT: Charter schools are the most accountable public school systems in Pennsylvania, with the threat of closure as the ultimate accountability – unlike failing district schools, which never close.

FACT: Pennsylvania requires all brick-and-mortar and cyber charter schools to be organized as public, nonprofit organizations.

FACT: Charter schools in Pennsylvania are diverse. Charter schools serve higher percentages of children of color than district-run schools.

FACT: Charter schools receive less funding than school districts.

FACT: Pennsylvania's public charter schools serve a higher percentage of special education students than school districts.