In recent years, many parents in San Diego County have sought alternatives to district-run public schools, with charter schools becoming a popular option.
Heather Higginson Santana is one such parent. She sought a better educational environment for her son, Tiago, who struggled with traditional schooling. After enrolling him in Dimensions Collaborative, a public charter school, she noticed immediate improvements in his educational experience. Tiago graduated high school and earned an associate’s degree in automotive engineering in the same week, highlighting the benefits of charter schooling.
Higginson Santana emphasizes her belief in school choice, stating that every child learns differently. She ultimately transitioned her entire family to charter schools, allowing each of her four children to attend different institutions that better suit their individual needs.
The shift towards charter schools reflects larger trends in San Diego County’s public education landscape, marked by a notable decline in enrollment at district-run schools. Over the past decade, public school enrollment has plummeted by about 27,000 students, leading to decreased funding and resources for those remaining.
While district-run schools saw an enrollment drop of roughly 12 percent, equivalent to the loss of nearly 53,000 students, charter schools have witnessed significant growth, with almost 26,000 additional students entering their classrooms. As families become disillusioned with traditional schooling options, charters are increasingly seen as a flexible and responsive alternative.
One key factor behind the rise in charter enrollments is their ability to offer tailored educational experiences, especially for families with children who have disabilities. Charters can create personalized learning plans and provide specialized support that families feel is sometimes lacking in district schools.
Helen Griffith, CEO of Preuss School, a charter that caters to low-income students and those who are the first in their families to pursue college, noted the key elements that draw parents to charter schools. The college preparatory focus, additional academic support, and perceived safety compared to neighborhood schools are significant factors for families choosing charters over district options.
The unique governance and operational flexibility of charter schools allow them to pivot and adapt to student needs much more effectively than traditional public schools. Griffith believes this responsiveness appeals to parents who often feel like just another number in larger district settings.
In recent years, charter schools have seen a marked increase in the enrollment of students with disabilities, with figures more than doubling in the past decade. By contrast, enrollment of such students in district-run schools increased by only about 31 percent, indicating a shifting preference towards charter schools for families requiring special education services.
Among the growing charter school sector, there has also been a substantial surge in fully or partially virtual schools. This trend is driven by families seeking flexible educational structures, specifically for children with social anxiety, medical conditions, or those pursuing specialized extracurricular interests.
Arthur Congo, the director of Southern California advocacy for the California Charter Schools Association, highlighted the appeal of virtual charters. Families often choose these options for their flexibility, which allows students to navigate their educational paths without being confined to traditional classroom environments.
However, the rapid growth in virtual charter enrollments has raised concerns. Historically, virtual schools have faced challenges concerning academic performance and accountability. Two charter schools under the Inspire network, Cabrillo Point Academy and Pacific Coast Academy, have represented a large portion of the charter enrollment spike in the county, despite past issues surrounding attendance overreporting.
The competition for students between charter schools and district-run schools has intensified as both systems grapple with a smaller overall student population. With state funding tied to enrollment numbers, losing students has direct fiscal implications, affecting staff levels and available resources within schools.
San Diego Unified Trustee Richard Barrera emphasized the pressure on neighborhood schools. A loss of just a few dozen students could result in significant cuts to essential resources or personnel.
Families’ motivations for choosing charter schools encompass a combination of educational needs, personal values, and a desire for a voice in their children’s education. As mentioned by Griffith, parents often appreciate the autonomy and accountability found in charter environments that traditional districts may lack.
The current trend conveying the move towards charter schools is particularly pronounced in areas where district schools are underperforming, reinforcing the view that charters provide viable options for educational improvement. This is especially relevant for disadvantaged neighborhoods where charter schools strive to offer higher quality education tailored to local community requirements.
Though the charter sector has seen rapid growth, recent trends suggest that even some previously established charter schools are beginning to feel the effects of a plateau in enrollment growth. As the rate of new student intake has slowed post-pandemic, some charters in urban areas are struggling to market themselves effectively while ensuring the quality of services they offer.
Congo noted this struggle, citing the need for schools to efficiently allocate their budgets while attempting to attract new families. The competition for dwindling enrollment presents distinct challenges, particularly for charter schools that must balance marketing expenses against the provision of quality education.
The backdrop of a declining student population and increased competition indicates that the landscape of education in San Diego County is undergoing a significant transformation. With public opinion favoring more flexible and personalized learning options, the future of both charter and district-run schools will depend on how they adapt to the evolving needs of families in search of the best educational experiences for their children.
image source from：voiceofsandiego
