What is a Charter School Vs a Magnet School? Differences Explained

Knowing the differences between a charter school and a magnet school is crucial if you’re trying to decide which is better for your child.

In recent decades, more and more types of schools have emerged in the country, like magnet and charter schools. If you’re like most people, you may be unsure of the distinction between a charter school and a magnet school.

Within the conventional public school system, magnet schools exist and provide a specific academic focus in addition to the core curriculum. However, charter schools are public schools that work with state or local boards on a direct basis rather than through school districts.

We will take an in-depth look at these schools and what they do for their students and community.

What is a Magnet School?

Public institutions known as magnet schools specialize in a particular subject, such as the arts or STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). In order to serve a diverse student body from various socioeconomic and racial backgrounds, magnet schools also exist. These schools make an effort to draw students drawn to a specialized curriculum.

The state and local standards are followed by magnet schools because they are part of the public school system. Students may travel outside of their attendance zone because they are open to students from any part of the district. Students accepted into a magnet program do not pay tuition because magnet schools are funded by the government.

The Department of Education describes a magnet school today as having these characteristics:

• by bringing students from different backgrounds together, seeks to eliminate or lessen racial or ethnic isolation.
• Focuses on a specific academic theme.
• Has no tuition.
• similar rules and laws to other public schools.
• State certifications are required for administrators and employees.

Further Reading: Why Magnet Schools Are Bad? Pros & Cons

What is a Charter School?

Charter schools are also public schools open to students in the surrounding area. These schools provide a variety of curricula and might concentrate on one subject or one teaching approach. In addition to having to pass state exams and abide by specific federal regulations, charter schools are funded by the public.

These schools, though, are privately owned and operated, so school boards have no jurisdiction over them. Instead, they adhere to a predetermined charter that sets forth policies and ensures accountability. Students attending charter schools also pay no tuition fees.

The Department of Education describes a charter school as having these characteristics:

• has been given a charter, typically by the state legislature or another designated authority.
• A group, organization, or corporation may serve as its governing body.
• may focus on specific academic topics or target specific demographics.
• has more discretion than other public schools, but its charter also includes accountability and mission statements.
• The charter is periodically evaluated and is subject to revocation.

Charter School Vs. Magnet School

There are many similarities between magnet schools and charter schools, but there are also some significant differences.

Curriculum Flexibility

Charter schools are probably most famous for their curriculum flexibility. These schools allow a student’s curriculum to be customized to a large degree so as to improve their education more expediently.

Magnet schools are similar, but they work by focusing on a specific field of study as a selling point, especially STEM or the performing arts. Through an individual, tailored curriculum, students can achieve the same result at a charter school.

Application Process

Both charter and magnet schools allow children to attend who are outside a specific school district, but their application processes differ. For the following academic year, a lottery is held as part of the application process for charter schools.

Once all of the seats are taken, a waitlist will be established, and additional students will be admitted as openings arise. Application procedures at magnet schools are prioritized. As they advance in grade, students who are already enrolled in a magnet school will receive higher priority.

For example, if a child is in a magnet program at an elementary school, then it’ll be easier for them to continue to a magnet middle school and then high school.

Teacher Certification

Teacher certification is a significant distinction between charter schools and magnet schools in some parts of the country. Each teacher must be certified because a magnet school is a traditional public school subject to local and state regulations.

It depends on the location of charter schools. We’ll count this as a similarity since teachers in charter schools are required to be certified in Florida, for example.

Student Tuition

People frequently assume that a school is private when it goes by a name other than “public school” or is otherwise referred to. A private school would entail tuition, in turn.

There is no student tuition because neither magnet schools nor charter schools are private. Parents can choose to offer monetary support through donations, but there’s absolutely no requirement.

Accountability

Although charter schools and magnet schools are praised for their distinctive approaches to the curriculum, they are both still subject to certain forms of accountability. Students at magnet schools are held to the same standards as any other state-run school.

Unbeknownst to some, charter schools are frequently held to a higher standard than what is specified in their charter. In return, they receive more control over what is taught and how the curriculum is run.

Operation & Funding

Magnet schools still fall under the jurisdiction of state and local school boards and agencies because they are traditional public schools with a particular focus on a theme, such as STEM or the fine arts.

In contrast, a charter school’s board of directors is in charge of running it. Officials do have some control over these schools, though, as their charter is issued by the state. Although the application process for each is slightly different, both receive funding from the state.

Conclusion: Charter School Vs. Magnet School

The most notable similarity between magnet and charter schools is that neither one charges students to enroll, nor does either one stipulate that applicants must reside in a particular area or neighborhood.

But the person they report to is where they differ most. Like public schools, magnet schools are held accountable by the state and the local school board, but charter schools are not. They are accountable to their own charter.