Charter schools employ a higher proportion of minority teachers than do public schools. Reasons for start up. Sixty-six charter school directors responded to a survey from the evaluation team. They report that their reasons for founding a charter school were to realize a particular vision for a school and to gain more autonomy than they might have in a public school setting. Service to children also rated high as a reason for founding a charter school.
Directors report having strong business and community support as well as parent support.
According to charter school directors, fund raising is an important form of parent involvement. Charter school students are more mobile than public school students. Directors reported that about 66 percent of eligible charter school students who had been enrolled in 1998-99 and were eligible to return actually did return to school in fall 1999. Charter school students in grades 7 through 12 are satisfied with their schools. They believe the classes are a better fit for their needs and they believe they get more attention from teachers.