Top Charter Schools Outperform Traditional Schools in Chicago

Even with high percentages of low-income students

It was the best of times; it was the worst of times. In Chicago that is.

In Chicago's traditional public schools, the teachers' union was on strike. Parents were scrambling to find a safe place for their child to stay during what would otherwise be a school day. Some were taking time off, even at the risk of losing their jobs. Low-income students were seeing the gains they made last year slowly fade away as their summer break continued. Police worried that more children may fall victim to gang violence. Here, uncertainty hung in the air.

In Chicago's charter schools, teachers were working with parents to ensure student success. Schools were exceeding expectations, posting gains in reading and math scores. Teachers were not striking, even though they worked longer hours for less pay. Here, everything was calm; hopeful, even.