NEWS RELEASE

Contact: Jan Fiderio at 603.283.2107

December 12, 2011 for Immediate Release

Study by Antioch University New England Professor Finds Charter School Parents Generally Satisfied

Parents cite academics, teaching quality and culture as pluses

(Keene, NH) -- The vast majority of parents who send their children to charter schools in New Hampshire are pleased with the experience, according to a new study by Tom Julius, core faculty member in the Department of Education at Antioch University New England (AUNE). Parents cite academics, quality of teaching, school culture and having their childrens’ needs met.

According to Julius’s report, New Hampshire Charter Schools Parent Study 2011, charter school parents are older, more educated and earn more money than most adults in the state. They are more likely to transport their children to school and to volunteer for the school. Most chose a charter school because they weren’t happy with their child’s previous school. The school’s philosophy and reputation were also factors. Although most knew little about the charter school system, they were willing to take the plunge and enroll their children in a charter school. But some parents said they are dissatisfied with the lack of extra-curricular activities, such as sports, at their charter schools. They also criticized inadequate state funding of charter schools.

Julius makes some recommendations in his report, such as:

Schools should develop mid-level administrative positions.
More publicity about charter schools would be useful. The New Hampshire Public Charter School Association should inform parents about state-wide charter school issues.
Parents should be utilized more broadly in fundraising and lobbying for their schools.

“New Hampshire charter schools have succeeded despite the challenges of inadequate funding and a general population that is unfamiliar with charters,” Julius concluded in his report. “New Hampshire charter schools are characterized by parents and educators, seeking creative ways to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse student population. This study points to parents, in particular, as a catalyst that can make this happen.”

This is the first study that looks at the attitudes and experiences of charter school parents. The first two charter schools in New Hampshire opened in 2004. In 2010-2012 New Hampshire had ten charter schools; nine of them participated in Julius’s study. He interviewed parents last spring.

In addition to being an AUNE faculty member, Julius is a founding board member and parent at the Surry Village Charter School in Surry, New Hampshire.

Read a copy of the study here.

About Antioch University New England (AUNE)
Antioch University New England offers highly respected doctoral, master’s and certificate programs in education, environmental studies, management and psychology. Located in Keene, New Hampshire, this unique institution serves approximately one thousand students each year. Our graduates have gone on to be leaders of positive change, working toward a more just and sustainable society. Founded in 1964, Antioch University New England is the oldest of Antioch University’s graduate campuses. Learn more at: www.antiochne.edu

About Antioch University
Antioch University serves adult students around the world and across the country, online and at its five campuses in four states. Each campus offers degree programs that meet—and often anticipate—the pressing needs of its region and the wider world. The University is also home to the landmark PhD in Leadership and Change; Antioch Education Abroad, an exceptional opportunity of immersive service and study programs; and WYSO, a leading public radio affiliate and an essential source of global news and opinion.

Antioch University is a nonprofit private 501(c) (3) organization and member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For more information, www.antioch.edu.

Last Updated: 1/4/12