Fast Facts:

Law passed: 1998

Most recently amended: 2023

Number of charter schools: 7

Number of charter students: 1,300

Cap on the number of schools allowed: No

Virtual charters allowed: No

Charter Law Analysis:

AUTHORIZERS: Districts are the only charter authorizers but applications must be submitted to the state board of education for review prior to authorization by the local district. There is no appeals process. Applicants may resubmit a revised application or reapply later to the local board only. Lab schools, which function similarly to charters, can be created by any public institution of higher education, public higher education center, institute, or an eligible private institution of higher education. While there's a large list of applicable authorizers, as of 2023 only four schools have been approved.

GROWTH: Though there is no cap on the number of schools, the few charter schools are entirely dependent on districts for expansion, which rarely happens. There are only 7 charter schools, with the sector experiencing stalled growth. Lab schools, however, are growing in popularity; 16 have already approved and an additional 20 applicants in the pipeline.

OPERATIONS: Charter schools here have no operational autonomy. Districts create them more as programs than full fledged independent public schools. Each must negotiate waivers from their districts.

EQUITY: Charters applying for authorization must negotiate on the terms and conditions for funding. This policy financially hampers the charter school's independence as there is no guarantee of equality of funding.

Fast Facts:

Law enacted: 2012

Most recently amended: N/A

Number of programs: 1

Statewide participation: 4,800

Types of programs: Tax-credit scholarship

Choice Laws & Analysis:

Tax-Credit Scholarship
Education Improvement Scholarships Tax Credits Program
Launched in 2013 provides, the state's scholarship program enables 4,710 students to attend the school of their choice. It gives a 65% tax credit to individuals and corporations that contribute to Scholarship Foundations. To be eligible, family income must be less than 300% of the federal poverty line, and students must be entering kindergarten, already a public school student in Virginia, a previous scholarship recipient, or a new resident in Virginia. This program has no enrollment cap, and the budget is $25 million.

USE OF STUDENT DATA IN EVALUATING TEACHER PREP

"Virginia requires "evidence of contributions to preK-12 student achievement by candidates completing the program." Yet, NCTQ points out that because the state mandates evidence of the ability to impact student learning through various data sources, which does not guarantee objective evidence of student achievement will be used to link student gains to preparation programs."

This is just one indicator from The National Council on Teacher Quality, which collects and analyzes states on how well their policies and practices lead to well-prepared teachers. They collect data on state laws and regulations concerning the preparation of teachers, the policies that govern their oversight and the contracts that guide their employment. Learn more about your state here.