Charter Schools
Louisiana charter schools are public schools operated by non-profit boards that are allowed increased autonomy in exchange for increased accountability. Charter schools are innovative, independent public schools that students may choose to attend. In exchange for operational autonomy in areas such as curricular, staffing, and budgetary decision making, all charter schools in Louisiana are held accountable for meeting student achievement goals and organizational and financial performance goals either by a local school board or by the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE).
Louisiana Charter School Policies
The Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) has the constitutional and statutory authority to make policy decisions that govern the public education system of the state. It also exercises budgetary responsibility for all funds appropriated or allocated by the state for schools under its jurisdiction.
Bulletin 126 - Charter Schools provide rules to govern the implementation of charter school law. The bulletin can be viewed in full on the BESE website.
Keys to Charter School Success
Local school boards establish charter school performance goals with each charter school board and hold schools accountable through locally-designed performance frameworks. The Department holds BESE-authorized charter schools accountable using the framework articulated in the Charter School Performance Compact.
Autonomy
- Charter school leaders and boards are free to make decisions about staffing, curriculum development,and other factors to meet the needs of their students.
Accountability
- Charter schools are held to high academic, financial, and organizational standards.
- Charter schools are closed if performance is consistently low.
Choice
- Parents select the school their child attends.
- Teachers and principals choose schools that fit them best.
Types of Charter Schools
Louisiana has six types of charter schools. Local school boards are responsible for the oversight of the Type 1 and Type 3 charters they authorize. The Louisiana Department of Education is responsible for the oversight of BESE-authorized charter schools.
Type 1
- New school
- Local school board authorized
Type 2
- New or conversion school
- BESE authorized
Type 3
- Conversion school
- Local school board authorized
Type 3B
- Former Type 5 charter school transferred from the Recovery School District back to local school system
Type 4
- New or conversion school
- Local school board and BESE authorized
Type 5
- Recovery School District schools
- BESE-authorized