Since 1992, more than 260 of these public-private hybrids have opened in 20 states. Here's a look at some of the arguments for and against charter schools. Charter schools are started by entrepreneurial individuals who feel they can offer students an exceptional education. They give parents the right to choose what education is best for their children. Charter schools also give teachers the freedom to be innovative.
Charter schools are also elitist.
Not only do they cater to the most motivated students, but if a charter student is expelled, he's sent back to a regular public school. This only worsens some public schools' reputations as dumping grounds. Critics charge that charter schools do not solve the real problems facing public education, but only provide an escape for the fortunate few. They argue that the money used for charter schools should be spent on fixing the schools we already have.