KTEC High School, situated in Kenosha, Wisconsin, is not just a school; it’s a testament to the transformative power of charter schools in public education. As we adapt to the ever-changing educational landscape, it’s crucial to address some common misconceptions about charter schools. Melinda Tolliver, Senior Manager of Digital Strategy at the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, sheds light on these myths, providing clarity and insight into the charter school system.

In 2023, the academic achievements of charter schools, including institutions like KTEC High School, have been nothing short of remarkable. Students in charter schools across the United States have continued to outshine their counterparts in traditional public schools in various academic areas.

This year’s U.S. News Best High Schools rankings, which assessed nearly 18,000 public high schools on aspects such as student performance, college readiness, and graduation rates, highlighted the excellence of charter schools. Of the top 100 public high schools listed, 21 were charter schools. This is a significant accomplishment considering that charter schools educate just 7% of all public school students and claim over 20% of the top spots in these rankings, a clear indication of the exceptional performance and the commitment to educators, students, and families.

Furthermore, recent research from the Center for Research on Educational Outcomes (CREDO) at Stanford University, analyzing standardized testing data from 1.8 million students across 6,200 public charter schools, revealed that charter school students significantly outperformed their peers in traditional public schools. The findings showed charter students achieved an equivalent of 16 more days of learning in reading and 6 more days in math.

Charter schools, like KTEC High School, have consistently been at the vanguard of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the educational sector. Approximately 70% of students in charter schools are students of color, compared to 53% in district public schools. This commitment to diversity not only enhances the learning environment but also ensures a broad range of perspectives and experiences are brought into the educational process.

Teacher enthusiasm regarding the direction of K-12 education is notably high at charter schools, as reflected in a recent EdChoice national poll conducted by Morning Consult. This sentiment is particularly strong among educators at institutions like KTEC High School.

The poll, carried out in October 2022, gathered responses from 1,000 K-12 public and charter school teachers. It explored their perspectives on various aspects of K-12 education, including the teaching profession, educational opportunities, schooling experiences, and school choice policies.

Teachers were asked whether they believe K-12 education is generally headed in the right direction or if it has veered off track. The responses indicated a sense of optimism, with 46 percent of teachers across all school types affirming that K-12 education is moving in the right direction. This optimism was most prominent among charter school teachers, with 58 percent expressing confidence in the direction of their schools compared to district school teachers at 43 percent.

These findings highlight the positive outlook of teachers at charter schools like KTEC High School, underscoring their confidence in the current trajectory of education and the impactful role these schools play in shaping future generations.

In partnership with National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3), KTEC High School is developing into the national center of excellence for high school technical education programs. We prepare our students not only academically but also for real-world challenges, ensuring they’re ready for the future workforce. At KTEC High School, we stand as a shining example of how charter schools enhance public education, debunking myths and setting new standards in educational excellence by maximizing dual technical college credit and industry certifications to ensure students are future ready.

Join us at KTEC High School and be a part of an educational revolution. Schedule a Tour or Enroll today and see how we’re making a difference in the lives of our students and the broader Kenosha community.