By Talia Cechin 

In 1992, California became the second state in the nation to adopt charter school legislation. Charter schools are located in urban, rural, and suburban areas and they give families an opportunity for an alternative approach to education while still adhering to state guidelines for public school education. 

Charter schools are publicly funded schools that are usually governed by a group, organization, or district. While charter schools hold autonomy and flexibility over the curriculum they offer, they are still held accountable and periodically reviewed by their authorizer to make sure they are in compliance with their charter and standards set by the state. Over the course of two decades, charter schools have evolved and are becoming a school of choice for many present-day parents.

During the pandemic, parents became more actively involved in their child’s education and were given the opportunity to learn more about their child’s specific needs. It is no surprise that parents in 2025 are researching schools in their area that are going to provide education that aligns with their values at home. 

Charter schools are an opportunity to receive the positives you find in a public school, such as an education from teachers who are credentialed and can align lessons so students are on track to be successful once they graduate (at no cost to the student’s family as all charter schools are free to attend). 

With the growing number of charter schools, parents can find the school that meets the needs of their child without having to attend locally zoned school. 

Local charter schools are offering revolutionary programs that emphasize fine arts, foreign language, and STEM programs. Some have developed partnerships with area colleges and Indigenous tribes to cater to the needs of their student body. 

Families enrolling in charter schools are often seeking an education for their child that has less technology in the classroom, smaller classroom sizes, and the gift of having the same teacher for several years who will see the unique gifts in each student and who are trained to help them blossom. Waldorf education, typical of many charter schools, is quickly becoming a popular alternative for families who grew up remembering their childhood free of technology who are now seeking the same opportunity for their own children. 

At many charter schools, fine arts is not just a specialty class but rather a daily activity built into the school schedule. Fine art programs are being eliminated in some traditional public schools due to lack of funding for teachers and materials. Because a charter school has the autonomy to prioritize the curriculum that is valuable for the success of its students, fine arts is often prioritized. 

Enrollment season is quickly approaching and now is the opportunity for families to research the schools in this area that meet the needs of their child. I encourage these families to ask questions, attend campus tours, and make an informed choice for the 2025-2026 school year. 

Choices represent the chance to find the right educational experience for your child, so take the time today to learn more about local charter school options to make an investment in your child’s future. 

Talia Cechin was born and raised in Mendocino County and is the proud parent of two daughters. She graduated from Sonoma State University with a BA in Education and currently works in Administration at River Oak Charter School, a Waldorf-inspired, no-cost charter school, opened in 1999.