Charter schools are public schools, paid for with public money. They are sponsored by state universities, intermediate school districts and other publicly funded sources. The charter school movement flourishes in Metro Detroit. Detroit alone has opened a dozen. State legislators have allowed for the development of charter schools since 1994.
Some charter schools focus on values and strict discipline.
However, critics insist charter school operators are more interested in profit than in educating children. Low statewide test scores in many charter schools have bolstered claims the schools don't necessarily ensure a better education. Canton Township's Mary Bleecker said her oldest daughter couldn't read in her regular public school second-grade classroom.