Charter School Choice
Does the state have charter schools?
Are for-profit charter schools or management companies allowed?
"On and after July 1, 2019, a petitioner that submits a charter petition or a charter school that submits a charter renewal or material revision application shall not operate as, or be operated by, a for-profit corporation, a for-profit educational management organization, or a for-profit charter management organization."
Is there a cap on the number of charter schools?
"In the 1998–99 school year, the maximum total number of charter schools authorized to operate in this state shall be 250. In the 1999–2000 school year, and in each successive school year thereafter, an additional 100 charter schools are authorized to operate in this state each successive school year."
Are charters required to provide transportation for any students?
We did not find information about charter school transportation requirements in California statutes. Additionally, Education Commission of the States states that California does not specify who must provide transportation to charter school students.
Can charter schools employ uncertified teachers?
"Teachers in charter schools shall hold a Commission on Teacher Credentialing certificate, permit, or other document equivalent to that which a teacher in other public schools would be required to hold."
Virtual School Choice
Do state statutes allow for full-time virtual schools?
From January 1, 2020, to January 1, 2022, the approval of charter schools offering nonclassroom-based (NCB) instruction, including virtual schools, is prohibited.
47612.7. (a)
CA DOE: Temporary Prohibition on New NCB Charter Schools
Are virtual schools required to track attendance?
Do virtual schools have to comply with state teacher certification requirements?
Private School Choice
Does the state have voucher programs?
Does the state have educational expense tuition tax credits or deductions?
Can students use vouchers to attend religious schools?
Is there a cap on the number of students or private schools participating in voucher programs?
Are voucher students in private schools required to take any standardized tests?
Can private schools be removed from voucher programs based on performance?
Are private schools in voucher programs required to provide transportation?
Interdistrict School Choice
Does the state have interdistrict choice programs?
"The governing board of a school district may elect to operate the school district as a school district of choice and may accept transfers from school districts of residence pursuant to this article."
Also, "the parent of a pupil enrolled in a low-achieving school may submit an application for the pupil to attend a school in a school district of enrollment pursuant to this article."
Are receiving schools or districts required to provide transportation to any students?
"Upon request of the pupil’s parent, each school district of choice...may provide to the pupil transportation assistance to that school or program, to the extent that the school district otherwise provides transportation assistance to pupils."