Across the country, activities are being coordinated by the Charter Friends National Network in recognition of the second annual National Charter Schools Week to be celebrated from April 30 May 4, 2001. Delaware currently has seven charter schools operating in the 2000-2001 school year, with a statewide enrollment of approximately 2,700 students. School size ranges from 75 to approximately 800 students. Charter schools offer a range of educational programs and a variety of learning environments. Four additional charter schools are scheduled to open in September 2001 with additional schools scheduled to open in 2002.
Charter schools are independent public schools operating under a charter.
Each school must provide details of the school s mission, administrative plan, educational plan, and methods to measure school success. In Delaware, the initial charter is granted for three years, with consecutive extensions granted in five-year increments. Charter schools are held accountable to produce positive academic results and must adhere to the terms of the charter. In Delaware, the chartering authority is either the school district or the Department of Education. The U.S. Department of Education estimates more than 2,000 charter schools are now in operation across the United States.