Visualize a hybrid, a public school with some of the most highly prized features of private schools. No such schools existed five years ago. But opposition is intensifying, too, and there are signs that the charter label is being applied loosely. Nor is it unique to the United States. New Zealand has made all its public schools quasi-independent.
Several states permit private schools to convert to charter status, too.
Yes, capitalism is welcome in much of the charter world. Instead of running entire schools, other private firms are taking small bites from the charter apple, furnishing, for example, hot lunches, tutoring, testing, or technology. Some of this is happening in regular public schools, too. What is changing is the willingness of schools to entrust instructional and managerial responsibilities to outside sources. With the crucial exception of religious choice, they're dazzling.