Charter School Traditions and Culture By Madeline Pistorius
C hoosing the right school for your child is a lot like finding the right pair of tennis shoes: What’s the cost? How comfortable do they feel? What kind of support do they offer? What’s the philosophy behind the brand? Most importantly, will they hold up for the long run? The same goes for finding the right school. Selecting a school isn’t just about location or ratings. It’s about discovering a commu- nity—a place that practices meaningful tra- ditions, strong values, inclusive connections, and a culture where your child feels seen, heard, and supported. For many families, traditional public schools check those boxes. For others, private schools offer what they’re looking for. And for a growing number, char- ter schools lie between the two. Every family has their own expectations, priorities, and needs when it comes to choos- ing a school. Just like finding the perfect pair of tennis shoes, it’s all about finding the perfect fit. Understanding Charter Schools Think of a charter school as the middle ground between traditional public and private education. Factually, they are publicly funded schools that are overseen by an authorizer and governed by independent organizations and boards—working to keep all those enrolled tuition-free. They have the autonomy to organize programs, classes, and learning approaches based on the needs of their students, rather than following a one-size-fits all model, as explained by the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. Charter schools were first introduced in the early 1990s, and today nearly 8,000 operate across the country. Around nine charter schools currently stand in the greater Cincin- nati region. An Overall Appeal The freedom and flexibility granted to charter schools allows creative traditions and cultures to develop. Under a unique struc-
ture—the ability to welcome students of any neighborhood, disability, race, national ori- gin, gender, religion, and academic achieve- ment—they are able to shape their specific environments to further include, inspire, and engage students and their families. A lottery system is practiced at the ma- jority of charter schools as a way to enforce equal opportunity to all applicants while keeping the number of students equal to the size of the school. On average, charter schools accommodate a smaller number of students compared to traditional public schools. This leads to smaller-scale class- rooms, where teachers can further connect with students on a one-on-one level. Local Insight We researched local charter schools to discover how they foster connection. While no two charter schools are the same, these schools highlight on their official websites specific values and missions that reflect the creativity and community spirit many families encounter within the charter landscape. Cincinnati College Preparatory Academy emphasizes a set of core values–care, collab- oration, positivity, and accountability–known as “The CCPA Way.”These values are meant to guide the way students, staff, and families in- teract, shaping the overall school culture. This year, students and families were welcomed back by the We Care 100 event, where the Mayor and Vice Mayor of Cincinnati joined the school. Superintendent Guyton Mathews III reflects on the event in a letter on the web- site as “a powerful reminder of the pride and support this community has for our school and our students.” CCPA students have opportunities in the arts, STEM, athletics, enrichment clubs, cultural field trips, swimming lessons, and mentor- ship programs, as well as various school events and recognition ceremonies that make school life active and engaging beyond traditional classroom academics.
Regular recognition within newsletters highlights students’ accomplishments and keeps families connected to school life, fea- turing events such as the annual Harvest Day Celebration, Fall and Winter Family Nights, and the Scholastic Book Fair, teacher ap- preciation highlights, Student of the Month shoutouts, classroom education spotlights, and more. Celebrating different cultures is also common at Cincinnati College Prepara- tory Academy, with events such as Hispanic Heritage Night and Black History Family Night listed in their calendars. The Importance of Community “I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of a vibrant and supportive community that is dedicated to nurturing the growth and development of every student,” says Principal Mike Allison of CCPA’s elementary school. With the help of the Friends of CCPA–a group of community member volunteers that raise contributions from loyal supporters, partners, and friends–Cincinnati College Preparatory Academy continues to support the achieve- ments of teachers, students, and the entire school community. Just like Cincinnati College Preparatory Academy, charter schools are built on culture, tradition, and student and family involve- ment through a system of diverse enrollment, student and family engagement initiatives, creativity inside and outside of the classroom, and positive reinforcement on striving for excellence and fundamentals. Looking deeper than whether a school is in good proximity or has good ratings is import- ant when choosing a school that not only your child will thrive in, but you as a parent will, too. Just like choosing the right tennis shoe, choosing the right school matters, because the best fit is the one that makes all the difference in the long run.
CINCINNATIFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM | JANUARY 2026 31
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