But the great majority of the schools we've come to know are exciting places where devoted teachers work tirelessly to impart essential skills and knowledge to children who chose to be there. We also gathered survey data from students, parents and teachers. The numbers attest to the needs these schools meet and the high levels of satisfaction that they are producing. Students and parents like their charter schools more than their previous schools. Three-fifths of the kids say their teachers are better.
Half are more interested in their schoolwork.
Upwards of 90 percent of parents are satisfied with the schools' curricula, teacher attention, class and school size, academic standards, and opportunities for parent participation. Three-fifths say the charter school has better safety and discipline than the school their child would otherwise be attending. Four out of five plan to keep their child in the charter school as long as it's available. Charter teachers also prize the professional opportunities they have found. Fewer than 3 percent would rather teach elsewhere.