Consequently, few independent studies of charter schools exist. The good news is that this landscape will likely change in the next few years with the infusion of federal monies for charter schools. State-mandated evaluations already are underway in Arizona, Colorado, and Minnesota, and Central Michigan University is studying the 40 schools it has chartered in that state. In addition, a massive federally supported evaluation is currently being undertaken by RPP International, with the results expected by the end of 1999. What we know so far comes from a handful of studies, conducted primarily by acknowledged supporters of charter schools and conservative think tanks that strongly support school choice.
Most charters are elementary schools, although grade configurations vary widely.
Parent involvement is much greater in charter schools than in comparison schools in the same communities. A large number of charter schools are designed to serve at-risk children. Lack of start-up money, finances, and problems related to facilities are the biggest barriers to starting and maintaining a charter school. Some studies also show that charter schools have not become elite schools. A statewide evaluation of California's charter schools, for example, found no evidence to support the sensational charge that charter schools in California are either creaming the most able privileged students, or as a group skimming out those who traditionally have been underserved.