School Origins
Education Reform Act, Purpose of Charter SchoolsIn 1993, the Massachusetts Legislature passed into law the Education Reform Act, mandating the development of Charter Schools. According to the Education Reform Act, Charter Schools were established to "stimulate the development of innovative programs within public education; to provide opportunities for innovative learning and assessments; to provide parents and students with greater options in choosing schools within and outside their districts; to provide teachers with a vehicle for establishing schools with alternative, innovative methods of educational instruction and school structure and management; to encourage performance-based educational programs; and to hold teachers and school administrators accountable for students' educational outcomes." (M.G.L. Ch. 71, sec. 55, 1993). During school year 1993-94, fourteen charter schools were approved, with the Cape Cod Lighthouse Charter School being one of them.