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1) How many charter schools are there in Michigan?
The Michigan Department of Education reported 277 charter school districts in Michigan as of August 2012. Eastern Michigan University (EMU) sponsors eight charter schools.
2) When did EMU begin sponsoring charter schools?
EMU began sponsoring its first two charter schools (Gaudior Academy and Commonwealth Community Development Academy) in 1996.
4) Who can start a charter school? Nearly any interested individual or group can start a charter school. However, organizations connected directly with religious organizations or educational service providers (ESP) may not be allowed to receive a charter in Michigan.
5) How do charter schools differ from traditional public schools? Charter schools, which are actually public schools themselves, differ from traditional public schools in several key ways:
Charter schools have greater flexibility in implementing alternative approaches to educating students;
Charter schools operate with no geographical boundaries for students (if chartered by a university);
Charter schools operate as mini-school districts whose leadership answers directly to publicly appointed school boards.
7) How is the success of EMU’s charter schools measured?
Charter schools are required to meet U.S. Department of Education and Michigan Department of Education academic performance standards. In addition, Eastern's charter schools are required to meet specic performance standards that are set by Eastern's Charter Schools Office.
