Are charter schools exempt from all laws?
No. Some parents have reportedly been told that enrollment in a charter school frees them from all laws related to public schools, including the prohibition of teaching religious doctrine within courses. Although charter schools are exempt from most requirements of the Education Code which govern public school districts, charter schools are not exempt from federal laws, regulations and requirements. Plus, charter schools are not exempt from the provisions of the California Constitution. Must charter schools use only state-approved materials? No. Charter schools are not limited to using instructional materials which have been approved by the state. May charter schools use materials which have Christian content? No. Article IX, Section 8 of the California Constitution states: “No public money shall ever be appropriated for the support of any sectarian or denominational school, or any school not under the exclusive control of the officers of the public schools; nor shall any sectarian or
