introduction: why charter schools 101
Public charter schools are often discussed, debated, and misunderstood. Many families hear the term “charter school” without having a clear explanation of what it actually means, how charter schools operate, or how they fit within the public education system. As a result, questions and assumptions can easily take the place of accurate information.
Charter Schools 101 was created to address that gap.
The purpose of this series is simple: to provide families and community members with clear, factual, and accessible information about public charter schools — how they work, how they are governed, how they are held accountable, and how they differ from other school options. This is not a campaign or a sales pitch. It is an educational resource designed to support informed understanding.
Why Education Matters Before Opinion
Education is one of the most important public responsibilities, and decisions about schools deserve careful thought. Before forming opinions about any proposed school — whether traditional, charter, or otherwise — it is important to understand the system that governs it.
Charter schools operate under a specific legal and accountability framework. They are public schools, but they are structured differently than district-run schools. They are authorized by the state, evaluated against clear performance standards, and required to meet academic, financial, and operational expectations. Understanding these fundamentals allows families to evaluate charter schools based on facts rather than assumptions.
Where Community Charter School (CCS) Fits In
Community Charter School (CCS) is currently a proposed public charter school undergoing evaluation through the Charter Institute at Erskine. Like all charter applicants, CCS must demonstrate a clear educational mission, strong governance, academic accountability, and operational readiness before any approval can be granted.
As part of this evaluation period, CCS is committed to helping the community understand what a charter school is — and what it is not. CCS’s participation in this Charter Schools 101 series is not about claiming outcomes or making promises. It is about transparency, education, and responsible engagement with the community it seeks to serve.
Throughout this series, CCS will be referenced as an example of how a proposed charter school is designed, evaluated, and held accountable within South Carolina’s public charter framework.
What This Series Will Cover
The articles that follow will walk through charter schools step by step, including:
- What defines a public charter school
- How charter schools are authorized and overseen
- How funding works
- How accountability is enforced
- How teaching, learning, and school culture are structured
- How families and communities are involved
- What makes Community Charter School’s proposed model distinct
Each article is designed to stand on its own while also contributing to a complete understanding of charter schools as a public education option.
A Shared Commitment to Understanding
Strong communities are built on shared understanding. Whether families ultimately choose a charter school, a district school, or another public option, having accurate information empowers better decisions and healthier conversations.
Charter Schools 101 exists to support that goal. As the series continues, families and community members are invited to read, reflect, and learn more about how public charter schools operate — and how Community Charter School, as a proposed school, is working within that system to serve students responsibly.