Three percent have closed. Most have long waiting lists. The percentage of low-income, minority, foreign language and disabled students is the same, and usually higher, than public schools. Individual schools vary. Charters student-computer ratios are slightly better than public schools.
Results are mixed.
Some charter schools students are doing much better than public school students. Others are not. Parents income and educational level remain predictive factors. Public accountability and standards have proved a major problem. Teachers may be less experienced.