OUR PODCASTS

Learning Curve

An expert and a mom discuss the state of education in Colorado. This engaging videocast features Ross Izard, an education policy expert and Erin Brantley, a mom who is passionate about education policy.

Homeschooling, private schools, public schools… we cover it all!

Learning Curve breaks down education policy so parents and citizens can understand what’s really happening in their schools. Hosted by Colorado parent and activist Erin Brantley and education policy expert Ross Izard, the show takes listeners inside the world of school choice, funding, legislation, school boards, and the policies shaping K–12 education. Each episode translates complex education policy into plain language, helping parents understand where decisions come from—and how they can get involved before those decisions impact their kids. If you care about schools, education policy, and the future of Colorado classrooms, Learning Curve gives you the insight you need to stay informed and engaged.

Are charter schools actually private schools? It’s one of the most common misconceptions in education, and in this episode of Learning Curve, Ross Izard and Aaron Brantley set the record straight.

Charter schools are public, tuition-free, and open to all students, yet many families still believe they operate like elite private institutions. This episode breaks down what charter schools really are, how they function within the public education system, and why they were created in the first place.

You’ll also hear how charter schools are governed, why they have more flexibility than traditional public schools, and what it actually takes to start one, including the surprisingly complex application process.

Whether you’re a parent, educator, or just trying to better understand how schools work, this episode provides a clear and practical explanation of a widely misunderstood topic.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

Why charter schools are not private schools
Whether families pay tuition (and what fees actually exist)
How charter schools are funded with public dollars
What makes charter schools different from traditional district schools
Who governs charter schools and how oversight works
Why charter schools were originally created
How charter schools act as “innovation labs” in education
How parents and communities can start a charter school
Why the charter application process is so complex
The most common myths about charter schools

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Charter schools are public schools, not private institutions
They are tuition-free and open to all students
They operate independently from traditional school districts
They were designed to encourage innovation and flexibility
Starting a charter school is possible, but far more difficult than most people expect

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction

00:20 How many charter schools exist (and why that matters)

01:05 The biggest misconception: “Are they private?”

02:00 Tuition, fees, and what families actually pay

02:45 Governance: how charter schools are structured

03:20 The purpose of charter schools

03:40 Who can start a charter school

04:20 The reality of the application process

QUOTES FROM THE EPISODE

“Charter schools are public schools.”
“There is no tuition, they are free and open to everybody.”
“They were designed as a place to experiment and see what works.”
“You can’t just go start a school, you need permission.”

RESOURCES & LINKS

Learn more about charter schools in your state
Explore local charter school options
Research school choice policies and frameworks

ABOUT THE SHOW

Learning Curve is a podcast exploring education, policy, and how school systems actually work, breaking down complex topics into clear, practical conversations for parents, educators, and anyone interested in the future of education.