Charter Schools and Public School Choice

CRPE is a leader in high-quality research and analysis on the role of public school options, including charter schools. We provide balanced evidence to policymakers and practitioners, and routinely bring together the best minds in the field to share ideas and craft new solutions to emerging problems.

Charter schools offer the potential to create high-performing public schools in districts typically plagued by poor student outcomes. Too often, however, the charter school debate is marred by biased research and polemics. Like all important reform efforts, credible research and analysis must accompany innovation. To know whether charter schools are fulfilling their mission, we need rigorous evaluation of their performance, costs, and ability to address the unique needs of disadvantaged students. New data and evidence helps innovators across the country to collaborate, communicate, and develop best practices.