Depending on the services they provide, management companies take about 10 percent of that. Much of that money would otherwise have been spent in traditional, urban districts. Franchise management companies often require local schools to adopt their curriculum. Most proponents of charter schools didn't have in mind these cookie-cutter companies that have a set structure, a set curriculum. As part of their charter school's special curriculum, Livingston Developmental Academy kindergartners Heather Burns, from left, Megan Brewer and Patrick Fons balance an object while carrying a pencil box.
Most charter schools have fairly traditional studies and teaching approaches.
Traditional public schools, meanwhile, spent 63 percent on instruction and 12 percent on administration. The percentage of business costs for charter schools run by management companies is even higher. Overall, teacher salaries at charter schools are 10 percent to 25 percent less than in noncharter public schools. They don't offer a lot of pricey special education programs. Some of the charter schools that are linked to management companies don't have to spend money on state pensions.