In September 1992, Governor Pete Wilson signed the Charter Schools Act (SB 1448). Authored by state Senator Gary K. Hart, this act gave charter schools, parents, teachers, and educators more independence and flexibility to build schools that meet the different needs of all students. Thirty years after the enactment of this legislation, California’s charter public schools have educated more than eight million students and currently serve nearly 700,000 throughout the state.

Charter School Facts

• All charter schools are public, free and open to all.
• Charter schools are public schools that follow the same state and local requirements as traditional district schools.
• Unlike traditional schools, charter schools have the flexibility to personalize a student’s education to meet their needs and prepare them to succeed in college, career and life.

To educate and celebrate the success of charter schools the California Charter Schools Association (CCSA) created an interactive website chartersat30.org.

• CCSA wants to share stories from students, parents, teachers and staff! Record a brief video here explaining how the charter school movement has positively impacted your life or your student’s life.
• Check out this interactive timeline that includes charter school milestones from the last 30 years.
• Share your support for the charter school movement on social media using these downloadable graphics.

Virtual Celebration

To celebrate the 30th anniversary CCSA hosted an online event to discuss the history and impact of charter schools throughout the state.