Charter School Enrollment Soars In Minnesota

The analysis by the Center for School Change at Macalester College found enrollment at traditional schools fell 5 percent over the same period.

Director Joe Nathan says the center has no position on which schools are better. He says he believes charter schools are growing because they offer distinctive programs parents want. Nathan also says he thinks some families are attracted to them because charters tend to be smaller, often cater to non-English speakers and have helped students of color improve performance.

Nathan says many traditional schools deserve praise for adopting distinctive approaches that have worked elsewhere.