Charter school students are more mobile than public school students. Directors reported that about 66 percent of eligible charter school students who had been enrolled in 1998-99 and were eligible to return actually did return to school in fall 1999. Charter school students in grades 7 through 12 are satisfied with their schools. They believe the classes are a better fit for their needs and they believe they get more attention from teachers. They report that charter school teachers are better than teachers they have had before.
Students also like the smaller classes offered at the charter schools.
Over 100 public school superintendents responded to a survey about the effects of charter schools on their districts. Roughly 90 percent indicated that charter schools had not had a financial impact on the district nor had the charter school s presence resulted in program changes within the schools. Superintendents expressed concern about the operations of some charter schools and accountability. A few respondents noted that their district had lost some students to charter schools. A more common response was that school districts welcome the presence of charter schools that can serve as a viable alternative for students dissatisfied with traditional public schools or at risk of dropping out of school.