Which School- and Community- Characteristics Lead to Charter School Success?

Charter schools have existed in the United States for thirty years, with mixed results. Research has largely focused on charter school failure and an analysis of what led to the demise. This study aimed to understand characteristics predicting charter school success, alongside those predicting failure. Specifically, it focused on a charter school’s first six years to understand how one successfully establishes a strong foundation, with the expectation that early success will lead to long-term success.To understand characteristics predicting charter school success and failure, a review of existing data determined which charter schools were successful. Then, founding school leaders were surveyed to understand foundational priorities, successes, and struggles. Finally, founding school leaders were interviewed, gathering more data about foundational priorities, successes, and struggles.The results showed academic achievement, business management, school culture, and mission and vision predicted success. Academic achievement resulted from prioritizing people. Therefore, future leaders should prioritize people first, as well as understand how to establish a comprehensive school district.