Of the estimated 250 charter schools in the state, Sonoma County had 11 last year with a total enrollment of 2,114 students. They range in size from 10 to nearly 800 students. Some of the charter schools look a lot like most public schools. Still other charter schools enroll students for publicly financed home school programs. Many local school districts and private schools also allow independent study programs for students to be schooled at home.
Most schools operate on the traditional academic calendar with student recess during the summer.
But two Petaluma district elementary schools, Penngrove and Mary Collins at Cherry Valley, operate on a year-round school calendar. The result is that parents today have lots of choices. Rincon Valley School District Superintendent Tim Justus said school districts here seem to have a greater focus on raising academic standards and improving student achievement than those in Placer County, where he previously served. It's important that they have the backing that they need.