SCHOOLS

Operating Schools

44

Regional limitations limit charters to Kansas City and St. Louis.

Total Enrollment

18,880

Approximately 23 percent of all public school students in Kansas City and 20 percent of students in St. Louis attend a charter school. The majority of students served by charters at-risk or minorities.

Resource

The National Charter School Directory offers complete listings, including school address, program description, and website.

LAW

Grade

B

Rank

10th out of 40 laws

Resource

CER's 2010 point-by-point profile of Missouri's charter law looks at approval process, operations, funding, and teacher and student provisions.

EQUITY

Funding

Charter schools may be their own LEA, ensuring more equitable funding. Missouri's charter schools receive, on average, $9,560 per pupil.

Resource

More information on equity issues at Charter School Funding: Following the Money.

ACHIEVEMENT AND ACCOUNTABILITY

Test Scores

Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) test data shows that charter schools are performing better than the majority of schools in their host districts for English and math. Charter schools have also begun to demonstrate success in closing the achievement gap.

Closures

Charter school closures are evidence of accountability in action. As of February 2009, five Missouri charters have been closed, none for academic problems.

Resource

Accountability Report 2009: Charter Schools: In-depth information about charter achievement and accountability, including state-by-state analyses and closure listings.