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Massachusetts
| State Profile Title | Massachusetts Charter School Information |
| List of State's Charter Schools | http://profiles.doe.mass.edu/charter.asp |
| Header | 9-20-00 |
| Brief Overview | Massachusetts charter school laws were first passed in 1993. Two types of charter schools exist in Massachusetts; "Commonwealth" and "Horace Mann" schools. For some characteristics of the law, such as legal and fiscal autonomy, Horace Mann and Commonwealth charters receive separate privileges and regulations. Currently, there are 46 schools in operation. |
| Schools | Massachusetts Charter School Association |
| Participants | Massachusetts Participants |
| Key Contacts | |
| Legislative Summary | Massachusetts charter school law allows up to 72 Commonwealth charters-- granted by the state board and managed by an independent board, and 48 Horace Mann schools-- existing public school conversions approved by a local board and bargaining agent, then granted by the state board. Payment to Commonwealth charter schools cannot exceed 9% of any district's net spending, and student enrollment in those schools is limited to 4% of the state's public school students. The state Board of Education is the charter authorizer. Individuals and organizations except for-profit businesses may initiate a charter application. A discretionary grant program to be established by the Board of Education provides planning and start-up grants. Schools are not automatically exempt from state education laws and reguations but may apply for waivers. Initial charters are set to a maximum term of 5 years. Charter school students must meet the same performance standards, testing and portfolio requirements as other public school students.
Link to Massachusetts charter school law: Chapter 227 of the Acts of 2000 Massachusetts Charter School Initiative |
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