Charter schools are public schools that are created to meet students’ educational needs in unique ways. Charter public schools are given freedom from some rules and regulations that traditional public schools have to follow. In return for that freedom, they are held to a higher level of accountability.In states where charter schools exist, parents have the power to choose whether to send their children to one. Mississippi parents don’t have that option, because our laws don’t allow it. To learn more about charter schools and how you can help us bring them to Mississippi, click here.

Momentum starting to build for Mississippi charter schools

Thursday, January 14th, 2010

The Weekly Northside Sun - January 14, 2010

Slowly but surely, momentum is building for Mississippi to get more aggressive in creating charter schools in areas where traditional public schools are not doing their job. Read More


Wednesday at the Capitol

Thursday, January 14th, 2010

Elizabeth Crisp • elizabeth.crisp@jackson.gannette.com • January 14, 2010
Three University of Mississippi students testified before the House Education Committee Wednesday to express their support for charter schools. More


Legislative task force studying underachieving school districts

Tuesday, January 12th, 2010

Elizabeth Crisp • elizabeth.crisp@clarionledger.com • January 12, 2010

While some bills proposing school district consolidations and charter schools have been filed, the task force has taken no official stance. Read Article


Parents, others voice concerns for Miss.’s troubled schools

Monday, January 11th, 2010

By Elizabeth Crisp • elizabeth.crisp@clarionledger.com • January 11, 2010
Several parents and other interested parties addressed Mississippi’s Task Force on Underperforming Schools during a public hearing at the Capitol this afternoon.
Read Article



Burnham calls for mergers, charter schools

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

Incoming superintendent eyes new takeover tactics

Bobby Harrison • Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal • December 30, 2009
Tom Burnham, who will take over for his second stint as superintendent of education in January, says lawmakers should consider allowing the state Board of Education to consolidate districts it takes over and to establish charter schools in those districts.
Read More


Charter Schools Against the Odds

Wednesday, December 9th, 2009

The Wall Street Journal - December 9, 2009

Charter schools reached a new milestone this year. According to the Center for Education Reform, more than 5,000 charters are now operating in 39 states and the District of Columbia. Considering that the first charter didn’t open until 1992, and that these innovative schools have faced outright hostility from teachers unions and the education bureaucracy, their growth is a rare gleam of hope for American public schools. More


Charter Schools Pass Key Test in Study

Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009

The Wall Street Journal - September 22, 2009

New York City students who win a lottery to enroll in charter schools outperform those who don’t win spots and go on to attend traditional schools, according to new research to be released Tuesday. Read Article


Charter Schools Gain in Stimulus Scramble

Friday, July 17th, 2009

The Wall Street Journal - July 17, 2009

Some cash-strapped states and school districts are signaling a major expansion of charter schools to tap $5 billion in federal stimulus funds, despite strong opposition from some teachers unions. Read More



Potential gubernatorial candidate Luckett reveals goals

Wednesday, June 24th, 2009
Desoto Times-Tribune - Wednesday, June 24, 2009 10:41 PM CDT
Clarksdale attorney and businessman Bill Luckett said he plans to raise education levels and improve education opportunities if he emerges as the Democratic nominee following the primary gubernatorial elections in May of 2011.
Charter schools, public schools that are free of some state regulations, are part of Luckett’s plan to improve levels of education in the state, deriving this idea from the Knowledge Is Power Program (KIPP) School in Helena, Ark. Read More


In Mississippi, give charters a chance

Saturday, February 21st, 2009

Press Register - Saturday, February 21, 2009

Mississippi’s charter school law has barely disturbed the state’s public education monopoly. That’s a sure sign the 12-year-old law, which was supposed to create alternatives to traditional public schools, is too weak to achieve that purpose and needs to be revamped. Read More



  Is it a public school? Yes Yes No
  Do they charge tuition? No No Yes
  Can parents choose the school? No Yes Yes
  If the school fails, does it close? No Yes Sometimes
  Freedom to fire bad teachers? Limited Yes Yes
  Do students take state tests? Yes Yes In Some Schools

KIPP Delta College Preparatory School

KIPP Delta College Preparatory School (DCPS), located in Helena, Arkansas, was established in 2002 as an academically intensive college preparatory school in an effort to meet the educational needs and desires of the Delta community. KIPP was founded upon the premise that it could change the outcome of a child’s life through education. The belief was that high expectations could overcome the obstacles created by race, economics, and environment. KIPP Delta serves nearly 300 students in fifth through tenth grades.

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