SCHOOLS

Operating Schools

102

While total charters are capped at only 100, some charters operate multiple campuses. Unsupportive state leaders ignore this long-reached school cap.

Total Enrollment

34,845

It is estimated that 20,000 North Carolina students are on charter school waiting lists.

Resource

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

LAW

Grade

D

Rank

29th out of 40 laws

Resource

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

EQUITY

Funding

Charters have had to sue to gain access to equitable funds. North Carolina's charter schools receive, on average, $8,701 per pupil, compared to $9,287 for conventional public schools.

Resource

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

ACHIEVEMENT AND ACCOUNTABILITY

Test Scores

Charter school students perform at a level equivalent to their peers at conventional schools even though charters receive less funding per pupil, and spend a greater percentage of that funding on facilities and maintenance.

Closures

Charter school closures are evidence of accountability in action. As of February 2009, 27 percent of approved North Carolina charters have been closed or never opened. Financial issues were the cause of the majority of school closings.

Resource

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