Charter schools across the United States are a successful alternative to the public school system. In many states, including Arizona, Tennessee, and Minnesota, charter schools outperform traditional public schools in math and reading. Nevada’s charter schools are no exception. Its charter school network provides high-quality education for students while holding teachers accountable for their performance. It’s time for Nevada to capitalize on that educational success and expand its charter school program.  

A Proven Track Record 

The positive results charter schools are evident. National data shows that children enrolled in charter schools score above the state average in reading proficiency and math in many states. Nevada is no exception. The state’s charter schools have an average math proficiency score of 39%. That’s 11% higher than its traditional public school average. The reading proficiency of Nevada’s charter school students also outperforms that of public school children by 9%.

In contrast, Nevada’s traditional public schools have been ranking far below the national performance average for years. Considering these numbers, Nevada can no longer afford to not invest in an educational system that’s proven to improve student performance.  

Choice Provides for Better Educational Outcomes 

Charter schools provide something that traditional public schools can’t offer: choice. When parents have the power to choose the most suitable school for their child, schools have to compete for enrolments. To be competitive, they must present a compelling alternative to other educational institutions. This healthy competition increases the quality of faculty and education.  

But charter schools also have a choice: what kind of faculty they want to employ. Unlike the public school system, charter schools can easily replace underperforming educators.  

They evaluate their teachers based on performance and based on the outcomes they produce for their students. This choice plays a major role in providing high-quality education.  

Tailored Teaching for Better Results 

The freedom charter schools enjoy developing a tailored curriculum pays off. They have the flexibility to meet the needs of their students and community. Some offer a specific focus, such as Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Others focus on arts, bilingual education or college prep. Parents can choose the education that best suits their children’s aspirations or aptitude, setting them up for future success.

For example, Coral Academy of Science in Reno is a K-12 school offering S.T.E.A.M. education to their students: science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. Students with an aptitude in these areas can foster their talents early on to excel in their careers later. Discovery Charter School in Las Vegas offers its students small class sizes averaging about 20 children. The same teachers accompany their class for several years, providing continuity and strong student-teacher relationships. At Odyssey Charter School, also in Las Vegas, children benefit from both online and in-class learning. 

The alternative that public schools provide is a cookie-cutter approach that fails to consider the individual student’s needs or academic inclinations. Charter schools, on the other hand, don’t evaluate their students through state-imposed standardized testing. Teachers can tailor pace, teaching methods and content of classes based on actual classroom performance. A tailored approach to teaching and testing produces better academic outcomes for children.  

Nevada Needs to Improve Education for Its Children 

Nevada’s children are its future work force, but the state’s educational system is continuously failing them. Nevada repeatedly ranks low in national comparison: several consecutive reports place our state’s school system at the bottom: a 2022 report awarded our public schools rank 49th. This number should alarm policymakers.

Charter schools have a proven national track record of improving academic performance for children. That’s why Nevada needs to invest in expanding its charter school network. It is high time to advocate for school choice. Write to your representatives and let them know that expanding Nevada’s charter school program is a step toward a brighter future for our students and for our state.