Charter Schools: A Beacon of Stability for Mobile Students

by Noah Devine, Executive Director of the Missouri Charter Public School

In an educational world that is increasingly unstable, the unique qualities of charter schools is something we must acknowledge as a strategy to support vulnerable students, including our students and families who are transient. Quite simply, this is done by offering a foundation for academic success and meeting the needs of all students and families. Recent research now points to this.

A new study by the Fordham Institute highlights the hurdles encountered by children undergoing frequent relocations, emphasizing the critical need for consistent and high-quality education, regardless of geographical shifts. In this report, University of North Carolina professor Douglas Lee Lauen uses a unique dataset to examine whether charter school enrollment breaks the link between residential and school mobility, particularly for students from traditionally disadvantaged communities. While there are a number of findings in this new research, a critical one for our most mobile students emerged: “Residentially mobile students in charter schools are less likely to change schools than their counterparts in traditional public schools.”

Philosophically, this finding makes sense and is probably unsurprising to many. But it is significant. Charter schools can tailor educational programs to the specific needs of mobile student populations and often do not limit students to live in a designated zip code. This adaptability allows charter schools to address mobile students’ diverse needs more effectively, ensuring a smoother educational journey. One of the primary strengths of charter schools is their capacity to foster a sense of continuity in education. Frequent moves disrupt the learning process, but for students on the move, maintaining a consistent educational experience at a specific school can help smooth the transition.

“Sometimes life becomes unstable. Having a consistent, safe place for children helps calm the storm for the entire family, says Kelly Sales, Director of Development for Brookside Charter School. “We want Brookside to be that safe place, so as long a child remains within the Kansas City Public School boundaries, they have a place here.”

Charter schools are vital in helping mobile students feel connected to their educational journey, offering mentorship programs, peer support initiatives, and counseling services seamlessly integrated into the charter school model. Moreover, by embracing innovative teaching methods and leveraging technology, charter schools offer greater flexibility to adapt to the diverse needs of mobile students. This was never more apparent than during the Covid-19 pandemic.
As we champion the strength of charter schools in Missouri, it is essential to emphasize their pivotal role in positively shaping the educational trajectory of mobile students and supporting the communities and cities our schools serve. With their adaptability, commitment to innovation, and community-driven approach, charter schools stand as beacons of hope for children facing the challenges of a mobile lifestyle.