Are Charter Schools Using Recruitment Strategies to Increase Student Body Diversity?

Depending on state statutory language, charter schools may be able to exercise more control over their student body composition. Unlike traditional public schools, charter schools may have the opportunity to increase student body diversity by drawing students from across traditional school district boundary lines. Specifically, depending on the state statutory language, charter schools may be permitted some flexibility in recruiting and admitting students. This study investigates the admissions and recruitment practices of eight high-achieving charter schools and considers whether charter school leaders negotiate state statutes to create a diverse student body. Appended are: (1) Academic Achievement: Comparison between Charter School and Nearest Traditional Public School"; and (2) Statutory Language Regarding Admissions and Consideration of Race. (Contains 1 table.)