July 22, 2022 1:26 pm / By Etan

Because you’re here, you’re probably thinking about making your child go to charter schools. Some parents may be dissatisfied with the education provided by traditional public schools but don’t want to pay a premium for tuition fees.

That’s why, in this blog post, we’ll answer some of the most asked questions about charter schools, including whether or not charter schools charge tuition.

Charter Schools Are Public Schools

“Can charter schools charge tuition?”

This is one of the parents’ main concerns before enrolling their child. After all, these schools offer a unique brand of education that suits their specific needs. For instance, the New Mexico Academy for the Media Arts is a charter school specializing in media arts and trains its students in film and TV production, journalism, and graphic design, among others. Of course, there are other school specializations, such as STEM-centric schools.

So, do you have to pay to go to a charter school?

The answer is no. Despite their specialized curriculums, charter schools don’t charge any tuition. Their education is free-of-charge since they are still public schools, meaning they’re publicly funded. Their main difference from traditional public schools is that they hold a greater degree of autonomy when designing their learning environment.

Who Attends Charter Schools?

Charter schools are not discriminatory. They are not allowed to filter students based on gender, race, color, and other factors. Data also shows that discrimination in a charter school in terms of gender, income level, race, and color is also non-existent.

It is important to keep in mind that each charter school offers a different specialization, so their curriculum may not fit everyone.

For example, suppose your child has an eye for literature and media arts. In that case, it’s best to enroll them in schools with a curriculum revolving around those aspects. Similarly, some schools train future health professionals and leaders in the construction industry.

As such, talent and the innate passion for one specialization are the keys how to get into charter schools.

So, can anyone go to a charter school? The answer is yes. If you feel like their program perfectly fits your child’s talents and interests, then you have the freedom to apply your child to a charter school.

Are There Any Charters School Fees?

Generally, you don’t have to pay for anything just like you would with a public school. All activities are financed by public money, making additional school fees unnecessary. However, you can still donate to charter schools partly because they are operated by non-profit organizations.

Is a Charter School Right for My Child?

Charter schools provide ample opportunities for students to develop and specialize in a particular field of interest. Despite a specialized curriculum, charter school does not demand too much from parents regarding finances. Because of this, charter schools can be great for your child and your wallet.

However, the trick lies in finding the right charter school. As we said before, each charter school has a specific specialization.

The New Mexico Academy for the Media Arts is for children with an affinity for film, graphic design, and journalism. ACE Leadership High School is perfect for those that want their children to develop strong skills in architecture and construction. These are just some of the schools in Albuquerque that can maximize your child’s potential in their respective fields.

But, how do you get into a charter school once you identify your child’s strengths?

First, you can apply to a charter school and wait for an interview. Unlike traditional public schools, charter schools have a certain number of student slots. As a result, charter schools like the New Mexico Academy for the Media Arts employ a lottery process to choose their following students. The school’s lottery procedures are developed with counsel from its parents and community.

Do You Have To Be Zoned for a Charter School?

Let’s say you want to enroll in a charter school, but it’s out of your district zone. Now, you’re wondering how to enroll in charter school without moving your place. Do you have to be zoned for a charter school?

The answer is no. Like we said, charter schools accept anyone in their school as long as they’re chosen through a lottery and willing to travel the distance.

Enroll in New Mexico Academy for the Media Arts

Your child deserves to have an education that maximizes their potential in the media arts. The New Mexico Academy for the Media Arts offers content courses that will develop your child’s artistic skills in the media arts field. We also provide internship opportunities and a dual enrollment with various institutions.

Enroll your child now and discover why we’re the best choice in Albuquerque for future media industry leaders.