Charter schools are public schools that are given increased freedom to be innovative in exchange for a higher level of accountability for improved student achievement.
In 1998, seven San Francisco parents formed a nonprofit organization that is referred to as the charter operator: Gateway Public Schools. Gateway entered into a contract with the San Francisco Unified School District for the right to operate Gateway High School. Because of the contract — or “charter” — we are called a charter school.
Charter School Characteristics:
- Charter schools are public schools.
- Charter schools allow teachers to innovate.
- Charter schools give parents choices.
- Charter schools introduce accountability.
- Charter schools are closing the achievement gap.
At Gateway Public Schools, we work in partnership with the traditional public school system, not at odds with it.