In states where charter school legislation is at least two years old, most schools have student waiting lists. Lotteries are the most widely used method for selecting students because they are perceived as fair and equitable. Such preferential treatment, no matter how reasonable or well-intended, is seen by some as inappropriate in a public school system. Populations Served An early concern about charter schools was that these schools eventually would lure the best and brightest students away from existing public schools. Emerging research shows, however, that charter schools are serving a diverse student population, although questions remain about how to maintain this balance.
Several options exist to promote equity in student admissions.
First and foremost, states can prohibit charter schools from setting their own student admission requirements. Many states require that a certain percentage or absolute number of at-risk students be admitted to charter schools. A number of states urge sponsors to give preference to charter applications that propose to serve at-risk students or students from specific geographic locations, such as urban or rural schools. Still other states require the charter school's population reflect the demographics of the district in which it is located or with which it is affiliated. Students should have equal access to all public schools.