Were charter schools created to destroy public schools?

That was the contention of some Milwaukee School Board members in November when discussing Carmen, Northwest Campus. “I do think they were established to destroy public schools,” said Director Kate Vannoy. “I’m not going to be part of that mission,” said Director Chris Fons. “So, I will vote, ‘No,’ on all non-instrumentality schools.” Such positions led to the eventual expulsion of 1 charter school from Milwaukee Public Schools and the departure of 4 more.

Milwaukeeans should not let such fractures continue. In other parts of the state, as you will see, charter schools are key to keeping families happily enrolled in local schools. So, what are charter schools and how do they work in Wisconsin?

Charter schools are public schools created by a contract. This contract requires them to achieve certain goals in return for more freedom in how they teach. This freedom often is a specific focus, including college preparation, Montessori, engineering, or cultural identity.

In Wisconsin, school districts or universities typically create the school’s contract; if a charter school does not meet expectations, the district or university can cancel the contract, usually closing the school. As public schools, charter schools have the same rules requiring special-needs services, religious instruction prohibition, and open doors to all students. The federal government encourages their creation.

In other words, “If you think you can do what we do better or differently, then go for it, charter school. But if you fail, we will close you.”

There are three types of charter schools in Wisconsin

In 2025, 6% of public-school students attended charter schools, totaling 48,478 students. There are 3 versions of charter schools.

1. Instrumentality charter schools are part of school districts, which employ all of the staff. These schools are popular in urban, rural, and suburban areas. For instance, 19.3% of Appleton Area School District students attend charter schools ranging from trade work to classical to Hmong-language Immersion to arts. Every single school within the Northwood School District is a charter school. Some regions have few or none at all. Green Bay has 2 and Racine has 0 within its school district.
2. Non-instrumentality charter schools are part of school districts, but the school itself hires its own staff, creating even more autonomy from the board. There are very few of these schools. Many are in Milwaukee, where non-profits like Milwaukee College Preparatory, Next Door, or La Causa work in partnership with Milwaukee Public Schools. Others are frequently virtual. Students may live in Franklin but attend 1 of McFarland’s several virtual schools, sending them funding and enrollment.
3. Independent charter schools are not part of school districts, making all decisions separately. The state and federal governments treat these schools as their own small districts; they must provide their own audits and test scores. Independent charter schools cannot receive property taxes. Instead, they receive direct state funding per student. Examples like United Community Center and Carmen Schools of Science and Technology are some of Wisconsin’s highest-performing institutions.

   So, do you think charter schools are good or bad?

   Here is what the research says about charter schools

   Research says charter schools serve similar students better than traditional school districts, adding 2 to 3 weeks of knowledge. Parents strongly support their existence. Supporters say charter schools offer options, accountability, and a lifeline to kids. Research also says the average online charter school has “completely dreadful” performance. Critics say charter schools may expel unruly students more often and say they disempower school boards and unions.

   Consider 3 case studies: