Charter School Choice
Does the state have charter schools?
Are for-profit charter schools or management companies allowed?
'''Charter school' shall mean an independent public school established and operated under a charter from the local board of school directors and in which students are enrolled or attend. A charter school must be organized as a public, nonprofit corporation. Charters may not be granted to any for-profit entity."
We did not find mention of whether charters can contract with for-profit management companies. Education Commission of the States states that charter schools may not be operated by for-profit entities. However, a Pennsylvania policy expert stated that charters can contract with for-profit management companies.
Section 1703-A. Definitions.
Education Commission of the States: 50-State Comparison
Is there a cap on the number of charter schools?
We did not find information about caps on charter schools in Pennsylvania statutes. Education Commission of the States states that Pennsylvania does not have caps on charters. Additionally, a Pennsylvania policy expert stated that there are no caps on charter schools.
Are charters required to provide transportation for any students?
"Students who attend a charter school located in their school district of residence, a regional charter school of which the school district is a part or a charter school located outside district boundaries at a distance not exceeding ten (10) miles by the nearest public highway shall be provided free transportation to the charter school by their school district of residence."
Transportation is not required for elementary students, including kindergarten students, residing within 1.5 miles or secondary students residing within 2 miles of the nearest public highway from the charter school (unless the school district provides transportation to public schools kids meeting those distance requirements).
"In the event that the Secretary of Education determines that a school district is not providing the required transportation to students to the charter school, the Department of Education shall pay directly to the charter school funds for costs incurred in the transportation of its students."
Can charter schools employ uncertified teachers?
At least 75% of the professional staff members of a charter school shall hold appropriate state certification.
Virtual School Choice
Do state statutes allow for full-time virtual schools?
Pennsylvania statutes allow for cyber charter schools.
Section 17-1741-A through Section 17-1751-A Cyber Charter Schools.
Are virtual schools required to track attendance?
A charter must specify in its application how the cyber charter school will define and monitor a student's school day.
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 board of school directors of any school district may permit any non-resident students to attend the public schools in its district upon such terms as it may determine.