A growing body of research is challenging long-held assumptions about how well charter schools serve students with disabilities. A new US study suggests that for many children receiving special education services, moving from a traditional public school to a charter school may lead to better academic outcomes—without harming their overall learning experience.The findings, reported by The 74 and based on research from the National Center for Research on Education Access and Choice, add fresh nuance to the often polarised debate around charter schools and special education.
What the study examined
The study analysed academic and enrollment records of more than 1.7 million K–8 students in Michigan who shifted from district-run public schools to charter schools between 2013 and 2018. Researchers tracked changes in test scores, attendance, and special education services for both students with disabilities and their general-education peers.According to The 74, the goal was to understand whether charter schools help, hinder, or simply replicate outcomes for students who require special education support.
Test scores and attendance show clear gains
One of the most striking findings was that math and reading scores improved for both special education and general education students after enrolling in charter schools. These gains lasted for at least two years following the switch.Attendance also improved. Absence rates dropped after students moved to charter schools, pointing to better engagement and possibly a stronger connection to school life.“These improvements were not limited to general-education students,” the study noted, highlighting that children with disabilities experienced similar academic benefits.
Less time in special education settings, but better outcomes
The research found notable changes in how special education services were delivered. After moving to charter schools, students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) spent less time in separate special education classrooms and more time in general-education settings.On average, students spent about 2.3% of their school day in special education before switching. This fell to 1.2% immediately after charter enrollment, before returning to earlier levels by the third year.Despite receiving less intensive support on paper, students’ academic performance improved—a finding that surprised some researchers.As reported by The 74, study author Scott Imberman said this suggests that some charter schools may be using effective instructional approaches that deserve closer examination.
Who benefits the most?
The study also points to an important distinction: charter schools tend to attract students with milder or less complex disabilities. Children with severe special education needs, which often require expensive and specialised services, are less likely to enrol in charter schools.This means the positive outcomes may not apply equally to all students with disabilities.Imberman noted that while charter schools can be a useful option for many families, they are not always equipped to support students who need highly intensive therapies or one-to-one assistance.
Ongoing concerns and legal challenges
The researchers also flagged key limitations. The study relied on IEP records and could not confirm whether charter schools fully delivered all required services. It also did not include feedback from students or families about their experiences.Concerns around special education compliance remain. In recent years, investigations in cities such as Chicago and Maryland have found charter schools violating special education laws, while a charter school in Indianapolis reportedly suspended students with disabilities at much higher rates than the state average.These issues, highlighted in The 74’s coverage, underline why the debate around charter schools and disability services remains complex.
What this means for parents and policymakers
The Michigan findings suggest that for a significant group of students with disabilities, charter schools can offer academic benefits—particularly when students learn alongside their general-education peers.At the same time, experts stress the need for more research that includes student and parent perspectives and closely examines how special education services are actually delivered.As school choice expands in the US, this study adds an important layer to the conversation: charter schools may work well for some students with disabilities, but they are not a one-size-fits-all solution.
