Governance: Parent Information about Wright's Charter Status

James C. Wright is one of a growing number of charter schools in Wisconsin. In fact, Wright was one of the first such schools created in our state. What does it mean that ours is a charter school and why should you, a Wright Middle School parent, care? This document briefly describes what a charter school is, as well as the special rights and responsibilities that come with joining the Wright family.

What is a Charter School?

First of all, charter schools are public schools, not private schools. Wright, as part of the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD), is operated by the same tax dollars that fund the other MMSD schools. What makes Wright unique is that it is governed by a "charter agreement" with the Madison School Board. You can think of this charter agreement as a legally binding contract between our school and the School Board. Like any contract, the charter binds our school and the School Board to certain terms that have been agreed to by both parties. If the terms of the contract are not followed, the contract may become void; we take our charter very seriously!

Here are a few of the major things the Board has agreed to:

• Limit overall enrollment to 240 students
• Limit class sizes to 20 pupils per teacher
• Provide extensive instructional technology
• Provide extensive support services to students

In exchange, our school has agreed to:

• Provide a supportive learning environment so that all children, regardless of socioeconomic or ethnic background, have the opportunity for academic success
• Involve parents, teachers, and community members in shared decision-making
• Have our students achieve the same, or higher, academic success as compared to a similar demographic student group district-wide