Compare & Contrast
What makes a charter school education different?
Less bureaucracy, more success, happier families.
Accountability
In exchange for increased flexibility to customize their curriculum and teaching methods, charter schools must meet rigorous standards outlined in their charter and be held accountable to these metrics by their authorizer to remain open. And, more importantly, charter schools are held accountable to the families and communities they serve.
Focus on student interests
Each charter school has a unique mission and specialization – for example, Montessori learning at the charter schools in Laramie, college preparation at the PODER schools in Cheyenne, classical education at the charter school in Mills, and a project-based curriculum at Prairie View Community School in Chugwater.
Strong Community Ties
Another exceptional aspect of charter schools is their strong ties to the communities they serve. Charter schools have the flexibility to tailor their programs to address the specific challenges and strengths of their locality. They act as educational hubs, collaborating closely with parents, community leaders, and local businesses to ensure students are well-prepared for the future workforce or further academic pursuits.Elected officials go to work every day to represent your best interests. They care what you think. Whether you speak up through a letter, email, phone call, schedule a meeting, stop by their office, find them at a community event, and/or contact them through social media, the important thing is to make yourself heard. Your voice is powerful and it can have an impact.
Community Choice 101
What is a public community choice school?
They are accountable to the community and guided by choice.
Community choice schools are public schools, free and open to all. A charter school is publicly funded like all other public schools and employs Wyoming certified teachers and staff. In exchange for freedom from constraints placed on other public schools, charters are bound to the terms of a contract, or "charter," that lays out a school's mission, academic goals, fiscal guidelines, and accountability requirements. An "authorizer" oversees their charter but does not manage the operations of the school. Charter schools are not bound to school zones, so families are free to choose to send their children to a charter school no matter where they reside.
Know Your Facts
Charter Schools Are Public Schools
They enjoy the same flexibility but are not private schools.
Charter Schools Are Always Free
They are PUBLIC schools. There is never a tuition to attend.
Charter Schools Are Held Accountable
An authorizer oversees the terms of their charter.
Compare & Contrast
The Missing Middle
Something to totally agree with.
Charter schools are innovative and adaptive schools designed to meet the needs of their communities. Though much attention is placed on charter schools in urban settings, they aren't the only places where public charter schools can offer students a high-quality education. Take a look at how rural charter schools are effectively meeting the needs of the students in their communities.
Video Lesson
The Story of Community Choice Schools
Hear from parents and administrators about how charter schools have taken hold in Wyoming.
The Choice Advantage
What makes a community choice school education different?
Less bureaucracy, more success, happier families.
Accountability
In exchange for increased flexibility to customize their curriculum and teaching methods, charter schools must meet rigorous standards outlined in their charter and be held accountable to these metrics by their authorizer to remain open. And, more importantly, charter schools are held accountable to the families and communities they serve.
Focus on student interests
Each charter school has a unique mission and specialization – for example, Montessori learning at the charter schools in Laramie, college preparation at the PODER schools in Cheyenne, classical education at the charter school in Mills, and a project-based curriculum at Prairie View Community School in Chugwater.
Strong Community Ties
Another exceptional aspect of charter schools is their strong ties to the communities they serve. Charter schools have the flexibility to tailor their programs to address the specific challenges and strengths of their locality. They act as educational hubs, collaborating closely with parents, community leaders, and local businesses to ensure students are well-prepared for the future workforce or further academic pursuits.
Learn how to make your voice heard when speaking to elected officials.
1. SPEAK UP!
Elected officials go to work every day to represent your best interests. They care what you think. Whether you speak up through a letter, email, phone call, schedule a meeting, stop by their office, find them at a community event, and/or contact them through social media, the important thing is to make yourself heard. Your voice is powerful and it can have an impact.
2. KEEP IT PERSONAL
Sharing your story and your experiences is the most powerful form of advocacy. What do charter schools mean to you? What do you love about your school? How has it impacted your child and family? If you keep it personal, your story will resonate.
3. KEEP IT SIMPLE
It is not your job to memorize every charter school statistic or to know every detail about pending legislation. All you need to do is take a couple minutes to tell your story.
4. KEEP IT POSITIVE
Sometimes your elected officials may not express initial support for charter public schools. By staying positive and helping them learn what your school means to you, you will be more likely to change their minds. Many elected officials that don’t initially support charter public schools simply haven’t gotten to know charter school families and students yet.
5. STRENGTH IN NUMBERS
Your voice is powerful and it can have an impact. But voices raised together can have even more of an impact. After you speak up, don’t stop there -- encourage others to do so as well. Talk to your fellow parents, teachers, people in your community, and work with your school. Share your advocacy experience and encourage others to get involved. Advocating together is more effective...and also a lot more fun!
6. KEEP IT UP!
Elected officials have a lot on their plate, and they need to be reminded of you and your needs. It’s not because they don’t care about you, but because they get hundreds of requests each day. So, once you’ve started a dialogue, keep talking. If you sent an email in the fall, maybe attend a community event they are hosting in the winter and introduce yourself. If you called their office in the winter, consider sending them a letter or contacting them on social media in the spring. Help your elected representatives get to know you and your school by staying in touch. And finally...always remember to thank them for their time!
