SCHOOLS

Operating Schools

38

Total Enrollment

10,815

Resource

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

LAW

Grade

C

Rank

23rd out of 40 laws

Resource

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

EQUITY

Funding

The state funding formula limits charter growth, and districts have faced scrutiny for withholding key funds from charters and causing many to go out of business. South Carolina's charter schools receive, on average, $5,800 to $6,800 per pupil, compared to $9,746 for conventional public schools.

Resource

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

ACHIEVEMENT AND ACCOUNTABILITY

Test Scores

In 2008, only 18 percent of public schools in South Carolina were able to meet the federal accountability goals (AYP), while roughly 30 percent of charters made AYP.

Closures

As of February 2009, ten South Carolina charters have been closed. Most were closed either because of operational deficiencies or financial struggles caused by low enrollment and district hostilities which withhold otherwise guaranteed funding. Only one school closed due to academic problems.

Resource

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