Charter Schools Help Special Education Students Thrive

Texas public charter schools educate nearly 40,000 students with disabilities across the state. Those students are meeting ambitious goals and on track for future success — both academically and personally.

Expanding Inclusivity

At Texas public charter schools, students with disabilities spend more time learning alongside their non-special education peers:

90% spend the majority of their day in general education classrooms (vs. 72% statewide).¹

Preparing Students For The Future

When they attend Texas public charter schools, students with disabilities are significantly more likely to take advanced coursework and enroll in college.²

ADVANCED COURSE
COMPLETION:

AP/IB

57%

PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS

9%

STATE

ADVANCED COURSE
COMPLETION:

DUAL CREDIT

50%

PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS

19%

STATE

ENROLLED IN
HIGHER EDUCATION

WITHIN 1 YEAR

OF GRADUATION

39%

PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS

23%

STATE

ADVANCED COURSE COMPLETION:

AP/IB

57%

PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS

9%

STATE

ADVANCED COURSE COMPLETION:

DUAL CREDIT

50%

PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS

19%

STATE

ENROLLED IN HIGHER EDUCATION

WITHIN 1 YEAR

OF GRADUATION

39%

PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS

23%

STATE

Preventing Dropouts and Providing Real-World Skills

Dropout-recovery public charter schools are leading the way in providing students with disabilities the real-world skills and certifications needed to be prepared for a career or the military.³

Compared to their counterparts statewide, special education graduates from dropout-recovery public charter schools are:

to graduate with an
Industry-Based Certification.
(33% vs. 16% statewide)

Career and military-ready at a much higher rate.

Growing Student Learning

More public charter high school students with disabilities demonstrate growth on STAAR end-of-course exams, compared to their peers statewide.⁴

Growing Student Learning

More public charter high school students with disabilities demonstrate growth on STAAR end-of-course exams, compared to their peers statewide.⁴

Did You Know...

... that some Texas public charter schools have focused their missions and models entirely on serving students with disabilities or unique needs?

Celebrate Dyslexia Schools in San Antonio stands at the forefront of education for dyslexia and related reading challenges, merging evidence-based practices with cutting-edge teaching methodologies. These public charter schools are committed to deepening the understanding and support for all students facing these learning obstacles. Educators utilize an integrated approach, combining structured literacy techniques, comprehensive social-emotional learning, and the latest in educational technology. At Celebrate Dyslexia Schools, every student’s individual needs and abilities are acknowledged and nurtured.

“We are thrilled to bring Celebrate Dyslexia Schools to life. This institution represents a milestone in dyslexia education, offering a nurturing space where students can thrive and celebrate their unique abilities while exploring at The Doseum, a founding partner of Celebrate Dyslexia.”

Jasmin Dean, Founding Executive Director of Celebrate Dyslexia

“We are thrilled to bring Celebrate Dyslexia Schools to life. This institution represents a milestone in dyslexia education, offering a nurturing space where students can thrive and celebrate their unique abilities while exploring at The Doseum, a founding partner of Celebrate Dyslexia.”

Jasmin Dean, Founding Executive Director of Celebrate Dyslexia

Thrive Center for Success in Magnolia is a newly approved, autism-focused public charter school with highly trained staff and low student-to-teacher ratios. Educators combine Applied Behavior Analysis and academics to tailor their instruction to every child. Thrive meets a tremendous need in the community and has received an outpouring of support from families. Currently serving 120 students in kindergarten through sixth grade, the public charter school has a waitlist of more than 250 and plans to open a second campus in Houston.

“When my husband, Devon, and I adopted our first son — and later his two brothers — we learned their birth parents had multiple developmental disorders. As the boys grew, it was clear we would need to be proactive in finding the right educational environment. Thrive Center for Success emerged as an incredible place for them to begin their academic journey. One of my sons has done so well that we’re confidently enrolling him in our neighborhood school next year. Meanwhile, my oldest son continues to benefit from the support provided by Thrive, ensuring his continued success in the coming year. I also eagerly anticipate my youngest son’s entry into kindergarten at Thrive next year. This school has given our family peace of mind and confidence in their future.”

Erin Hudson, parent of two public charter school students

“When my husband, Devon, and I adopted our first son — and later his two brothers — we learned their birth parents had multiple developmental disorders. As the boys grew, it was clear we would need to be proactive in finding the right educational environment. Thrive Center for Success emerged as an incredible place for them to begin their academic journey. One of my sons has done so well that we’re confidently enrolling him in our neighborhood school next year. Meanwhile, my oldest son continues to benefit from the support provided by Thrive, ensuring his continued success in the coming year. I also eagerly anticipate my youngest son’s entry into kindergarten at Thrive next year. This school has given our family peace of mind and confidence in their future.”

Erin Hudson, parent of two public charter school students

Texas Public Charter Schools Are Highly Accountable

Like traditional public schools, public charter schools are held accountable for all requirements of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and all Texas laws related to protecting and serving these students. Unlike traditional districts, however, public charter schools may be closed by the state education commissioner if they do not provide all services guaranteed by federal and state law.

Sources

1. TEA 2021-22 State Performance Plan

2. TEA 2022–23 TAPR for Standard Accountability Campuses

3. TEA 2022–23 TAPR for Alternative Accountability Campuses

4. TEA 2022–23 PEIMS Campus Reports

Questions?

Contact research@txcharterschools.org