What is 'success'?: Comparing Charter Schools' Discourse and Students' Lived Experiences in Stockton, CA

Abstract: 

This work highlights the misalignment between the mission statements of charter high schools in Stockton, CA, and students' lived experience. I found that charter schooling in Stockton could be improved in terms of making students feel safe and supported, offering more variety in education, and in promoting a healthier work-life balance. In spite of these areas of improvement, charter schooling in Stockton has been successful at fostering community among students. It is important to work on these areas improvement, especially as charter schools become increasingly prominent choices for secondary education.

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