Parents’ Guide to Texas Charter Schools
Charter schools are tuition-free schools that are publicly funded but independently run. This unique operation model sets charter schools apart from traditional public schools and gives them more freedom over curriculum, staffing, and budgeting. However, specific charter school laws and regulations vary from state to state.
Texas charter schools are becoming more and more widespread every year. Families love the specialized programs, unique curriculum, and innovative teaching methods that are often found at charter schools.
Here’s an overview of how charter schools work in Texas and how you can enroll!
History of Texas charter schools
Texas passed its first charter school law in 1995. Shortly after, the first 20 charter schools in Texas opened their doors. These schools quickly became a popular choice among Texas families, acting as an alternative to traditional public education.
In 2013, the Texas Legislature greatly increased its existing cap on the number of charter schools operating in the state. Currently, the law allows up to 305 new open-enrollment charter schools to open each year.
BASIS Texas Charter Schools—which is now ranked the #1 School District in Texas by the Texas Education Agency (TEA)—opened its first Texas school in San Antonio in 2013. The network greatly expanded over the course of the next decade, opening additional San Antonio schools as well as schools in the Dallas/Fort Worth and Austin regions. Currently, BASIS Texas Charter Schools operates 19 schools in the state.
How many students attend charter schools in Texas?
According to the latest data from the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, there are over 1,050 charter schools operating across Texas. A total of 467,000 students in Texas attend charter schools. Charter school enrollment in Texas represents approximately 8.5% of all public school enrollment.
One of the reasons Texas charter schools are so popular is because they tend to be high performing. The Texas Public Charter Schools Association found that public charter school students are twice as likely to succeed in advanced courses and significantly more likely to attend college. Additionally, many of the top-ranked schools in the state are charter schools. Our flagship Texas campus BASIS San Antonio Shavano is ranked #7 in the state and #1 in San Antonio, according to the U.S. News & World Report.
How are charter schools funded in Texas?
Just like any other public school, Texas charter schools are publicly funded. They are completely tuition-free.
The amount of funding Texas charter schools receive from the state government is dependent on their enrollment numbers. Unlike traditional public schools, charter schools in Texas do not receive funding from local property taxes. It’s estimated that Texas charter schools receive about 85% of the funding that traditional district schools get. To make up for this disparity, charter schools often turn to grants, donations, and fundraisers.
How are charter schools in Texas held accountable?
In Texas, charter schools are authorized by either the Texas Education Agency or by traditional school districts. These authorizing bodies hold charter schools accountable for academic performance and financial transparency.
Charter schools in Texas adhere to stricter regulations than traditional public schools. In addition to meeting the performance benchmarks laid out in their chartering agreement, they are also required to meet all state academic standards. Charter schools that fall behind their performance expectations run the risk of being closed by the Texas Education Agency.
How can you enroll in Texas charter schools?
Texas charter schools are tuition-free and open to everyone! Just like other public schools, charter schools are prohibited from restricting admission on the basis of academic achievement or any protected class.
Before applying to a charter school near you, make sure you live within the school’s geographic boundaries. These boundaries vary from school to school. BASIS Texas Charter Schools are open to any student in the state of Texas, regardless of their home district.
The enrollment process at BASIS Texas Charter Schools starts with applying via our online enrollment portal. If the number of applications received exceeds the number of available seats, we use a lottery and waitlist system to determine enrollment.
Learn more about BASIS Texas Charter Schools
BASIS Texas Charter Schools is the #1 School District in Texas, according to the most recent Texas Education Agency accountability scores, Our tuition-free public charter schools serve grades K–12 with an advanced STEM and arts curriculum.
Prepare your child for college success by enrolling at BASIS Texas Charter Schools! Schedule a tour at a school near you for a firsthand look at what makes our schools so successful.
