Wisconsin Legislative Audit Bureau's Report: Public Virtual Charter Schools

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Virtual charter schools in Wisconsin are publicly funded nonsectarian schools that are exempt from many regulations that apply to traditional public schools and that offer the majority of their classes online. They began operating in Wisconsin during the 2002-03 school year. Pupils typically attend from their homes and communicate with teachers using e-mail, by telephone, or in online discussions. During the 2007-08 school year, 15 virtual charter schools enrolled 2,951 pupils. Most were high schools.

Enrollment in virtual charter schools has increased in every school year since 2002-03. Virtual charter schools spent an estimated $17.8 million in the 2007-08 school year. In the 2007-08 school year, 161 virtual charter school teachers were licensed in Wisconsin.

On statewide assessment exams, virtual charter school pupils typically scored higher than other public school pupils in reading and lower in mathematics.

Complete report.
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