Chris Christie Announces $14.5 Million Grant For Charter Schools

Three states will be awarded grants by the US Department of Education to support the expansion and replication of high-quality charter schools and New Jersey is one them. Governor Chris Christie says the Garden State will receive nearly $14.5 million through the federal Charter Schools Program to strengthen the quality of charter school options in New Jersey. 

"We have and will continue to support the expansion of high-quality charter schools as one way to ensure that all students have great educational options available to them," says Christie. "Every student in New Jersey deserves a choice of where they attend school, not only to ensure that no child is assigned to a failing school, but also so that families can select a school that gives their child the best opportunity for success."

The State Department of Education will use the award for three purposess. The Department will subgrant to new charter schools in their first three years to support start up efforts as the new schools grow to scale, it will subgrant to existing, high-quality charter schools looking to expand, reinforcing the Department’s commitment to replicating and expanding proven models and finally, the Department will support the sharing of best practices between charters and district schools to make sure that all public school students benefit from innovative and successful practices.

Acting Education commissioner Chris Cerf says, “According to data over the past several years, charter schools on average across the state are outperforming other district options for students in high-need communities. However, we must also be honest that just as some district schools are failing students, some charter schools in New Jersey are also not performing at the level their students deserve. In exchange for greater autonomy to innovate and meet the specific needs of their students, charters have been held to strict account for the results they achieve in the classroom for students. We will not accept failure for our state’s children and will continue to hold all of our schools, both district and charter, accountable for their results."