Do Cyber Charter Schools Use a Curriculum?

For parents and families seeking an alternative to traditional schools, charter schools may be an attractive option. But the lingering question for many is whether these institutions use a standardized curriculum. Explore the curriculum differences between traditional and charter schools, so you have an idea of what to expect.

What Is a Curriculum and Why Does It Matter?

A curriculum is a structured approach to learning that provides a framework for the content, learning goals, and materials to be taught. Everything, from projects and assessments to the specific knowledge that students are expected to experience, falls within a curriculum. 

The availability of a roadmap for learning helps schools and teachers meet student needs. Whether that path for learning is a traditional, centralized curriculum or a blended, personalized learning approach, a roadmap is important for students. It helps them progress from one educational milestone to the next. While it sets achievable standards for skills and knowledge, a curriculum can also include flexible elements designed to support different learner needs.

How Schools Decide Curriculum

One primary factor in curriculum development is the type of school:

• Public schools: Public school curricula in the U.S. are highly decentralized, as there’s no single authority in charge of everything across the board. As a result, almost every level of government has a role in deciding curricula. Public schools are governed by local school districts, follow state standards, and are subject to state testing and accountability guidelines.
• Charter schools: Cyber charter schools have a governing body responsible for the curriculum. While they are still public schools and must meet state standards, they typically have more flexibility in designing their curriculum and instructional methods.
• Private schools: These are alternative schools governed by their respective administrations. They generally operate independently of most state standards, which allows them to design a curriculum that reflects their mission and values.
• Homeschools: While governed by state-specific laws, homeschooling typically has fewer curriculum guidelines than traditional schooling, which allows parents to design their own curriculum.

Discover the ways different entities impact the creation of school curricula:

Legal Requirements and State Authority

Federal influence in education is less direct and does not extend to curriculum development. The federal government mainly focuses on laws that ensure equitable access to education throughout the country, though some districts may look to government initiatives, research, or funding when developing educational goals. The U.S. Department of Education manages federal funding and oversees legislation that holds states and districts accountable to specific measures and standards to qualify for federal funding.

That said, the responsibility of education mostly falls on state governments. Each state’s Department of Education establishes the core academic framework under the authority of the state’s Board of Education. These standards create a baseline that ensures consistency for schools in the state. The overall academic framework set by the states includes:

• Learning goals: These standards define what students should know at each grade level.
• Mandated topics: This includes the type of content schools must legally teach, such as health education or specific historical events.
• Graduation requirements: States often establish certain courses as a requirement for graduation.

Local Control

While states establish a general approach through broad standards, local school districts often play a major role in curriculum development by deciding how to implement state guidelines. School districts are governed by school boards, which make decisions that reflect state requirements and local community priorities. These boards help decide the ‘how’ of developing a curriculum, which is why lesson content often varies even within the same state.

The school board adopts instructional materials and programs, while local administrators and teachers develop and select specific courses, textbooks, and teaching methods based on state guidelines. The board then consults with teachers, parents, and community members before approving or revising curricula to ensure it is tailored to the needs of the community.

Funding and Oversight

Besides the authority to make decisions, funding also plays a role in shaping the curriculum. For instance, while districts with more funding can afford more resources and curriculum materials, those with less funding may not have the same purchasing power, which impacts their ability to implement certain programs.

How Do Cyber Schools Choose Curriculum?

Cyber charter schools use a curriculum, as they are public schools with a virtual teaching and attendance model. Like traditional schools, they are accountable to state academic and reporting standards. However, cyber charters have unique differences in their curriculum, instruction, and learning environment.

While traditional schools often follow district-selected materials and pacing guidelines, cyber schools like Commonwealth Charter Academy use digital platforms to support flexible pacing, live instruction sessions, and personalized learning. Here are key factors that influence the decision-making for a cyber school curriculum:

• Standards alignment: As public schools, charters align their curriculum with state educational standards. This ensures that learners benefit from mandated core subject knowledge.
• Student engagement: The need for engagement and interactivity necessitates that a cyber charter school’s curriculum be tailored for online delivery, promoting engagement and active learning.
• Technology integration: The curriculum must integrate seamlessly with the school’s learning management system (LMS) for accessibility and ease of use. For instance, CCA utilizes a learning management system called edio, which works hand in hand with the course development.
• Teacher support and resources: Curriculum is created to align with robust resources and guide certified teachers in delivering the material effectively within an online setting.
• Diverse course options: At CCA, students can explore academic programs beyond core materials, including career readiness, honors, special education, and English Language Development options. The curriculum is shaped by an extensive course catalog designed to explore each student’s strengths, career pathway, and personal interests.
• Institutional values and methodology: Each school curates a curriculum based on its specific educational values and priorities. CCA’s personalized learning approach lets each student master skills at their own pace and encourages them to find their spark by pursuing what most excites them. This approach is meant to seamlessly integrate with the Career Pathways program and other initiatives.

Choose CCA for a Well-Rounded Curriculum

CCA, an accredited cyber school, designs curriculum to support students across grade levels, subject areas, and personal interests. This comprehensive approach gives students room to build core academic skills while exploring the topics and career pathways that interest them.

CCA’s certified teachers prioritize personalized success for students in grades K-12, approaching every course with student engagement and growth in mind. That way, every child feels empowered to explore their passions and potential career path.

Enroll your child today and set them on a path to success!