Charter schools are, independent public schools! Louisiana's Charter School Law became effective in 1995. The purpose of charter schools is to support students who do not excel in conventional public school settings. Charters are free and accessible to everyone, providing each child with the chance to receive an excellent education at a school that prioritizes their individual needs, irrespective of their zip code, income, or ability level. Charter schools have the freedom to implement innovative teaching methods tailored to the needs of their students. In return for this added flexibility, charters are held to higher standards of accountability and transparency. Elite Academy is a Type 2 Charter School, authorized by BESE (Board of Elementary & Secondary Education). The Louisiana Department of Education is responsible for the oversight of BESE-authorized charter schools.Elite Academy has a board of directors which governs school finances, operations and administration. ​ The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) holds BESE-authorized charter schools accountable using the framework articulated in the Charter School Performance Compact, which states the following performance expectations: • All students, regardless of background, need, or ability, are afforded an educational environment that provides them with opportunities for academic growth and achievement. • Schools enroll and serve all students through prioritizing equity in their enrollment and discipline policies and procedures. • All special student populations receive the services and support they need to ensure academic success in accordance with applicable law and policy. • Schools and governing boards responsibly follow all laws, policies, and contractual obligations. • Schools demonstrate strong financial practices resulting in fiscally viable and responsibly maintained institutions. Some charter school advantages include: • Free to attend: Like all public schools, charter schools are tuition-free. • Parents select the school their child attends. • Accelerated or advanced curriculum: Since charter schools have more freedom than traditional public schools when designing lesson plans, they often follow an accelerated curriculum. They may also offer a broader range of subjects than other public schools. • High academic standards: Charter schools are required to meet state academic standards as well as any standards laid out by LDOE and BESE. As a result, the academic performance of charter schools often surpasses other types of schools. • Charter schools are held to high academic, financial, and organizational standards. • Public charter schools excel in personalized instruction by accommodating students from diverse backgrounds and teaching them in ways that suit their unique learning styles. In doing so, they are shaping the leaders of tomorrow and securing a bright future for Louisiana. References: https://www.louisianabelieves.com/schools/charter-schools(https://www.louisianabelieves.com/schools/charter-schools) https://ballotpedia.org/Charter_schools_in_Louisiana(https://ballotpedia.org/Charter_schools_in_Louisiana) https://www.louisianabelieves.com/docs/default-source/school-choice/charter-performance-compact.pdf(https://www.louisianabelieves.com/docs/default-source/school-choice/charter-performance-compact.pdf)