SCHOOLS

Operating Schools

4

There is no cap, but the law's restrictions have created a disincentive to open schools.

Total Enrollment

290

Resource

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

LAW

Grade

F - this is a charter law in name only

Rank

39th out of 40 laws

Resource

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

EQUITY

Funding

Virginia's charter schools do not have fiscal autonomy and are funded depending on school district preference at often less than 60 percent. Charter schools receive, on average, $8,830 per pupil, compared to $10,672 for conventional public schools.

Resource

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

ACHIEVEMENT AND ACCOUNTABILITY

Test Scores

In a state that has had a long history of fighting most independent charter proposals and where the school boards who do permit them have tended to provide charters only for their most challenging students, academic achievement is not documented for the few students who have attended these schools over time.

Closures

As of February 2009, three Virginia charters have been closed, one never opened, and two more consolidated back to conventional public schools.

Resource

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