Common Language

There are many misconceptions about the charter school movement and many detractors looking for ways to criticize our work. It’s important that the words we use to describe charter schools, traditional schools, Green Dot, public education, and larger education reform issues, don’t reinforce stereotypes.

Essentially, we should aim to avoid language that supports the misconception that charter schools are for-profit companies with selective enrollment practices designed to erode public education. Whenever we discuss our work, we should be mindful of the opportunity to educate and clarify. 

"Conversations about the organization and our work should be genuine and communicated in your own words while using shared language"

In consulting dozens of school leaders and teachers, we found the following words and phrases were most effective in authentically describing our work.