Who has their kid(s) in charter school?

[USAmma]

Just wondering how many of us are out there. Would you mind sharing what the "flavor" of your kids' charter school is, and what you like about it? Also share any things you are not so happy about.

[aywilkes]

My DS is attending a charter school in Washington, DC for the first time this year. It is a school with an arts focus. I love it because he gets 2 hours of art instruction per day - his major is instrumental music and minor is creative writing although he is changing his minor to dance next semester. I love it because the environment is more flexible and it is small. This is only the 2nd year of its existence. I don't like that there are parents who send their kids their for probably the wrong reasons - not because they care about the arts but because the school day is until 4:30 and it has a non-traditional school calendar so it is pretty much year round. My son is really pleased there though.

[Cathi]

DS is 5 and attending a brand new public charter school for Kindergarten. It has a Core Value philosophy, focusing on building character along with education. We like it so far, though we're having trouble with his teacher's personality. He is being exposed to a lot of history and science, but the main focus is of course mathematics and phonics. They use Saxon Math and RIGGS which I like.

I dislike things that don't really apply to the school curriculum itself, mainly the fact that they are not in their own building but rather using a church facility while our modular buildings are installed. Kinda crappy.

Overall it suits my child's personality well and I LOVE that there are only 12 kids in his class. He was not overwhelmed at all and is now very good friends with his classmates.