An Exploratory Analysis of School Culture within a Multi-School Charter School System

Abstract

The primary purpose of this study is to examine and understand how teachers of charter schools perceive their respective schools’ cultures. The research is based upon data gathered from teachers (n=372) in schools (n=18) within a Charter School System (CSS) in the southern United States. We used descriptive statistics, t-test and one-way ANOVA as our statistical tools. The findings revealed that teachers at the Charter Schools have a positive perception of the school culture within their respective schools. Teachers particularly favored professional development opportunities and collegial support in their respected schools. School size, grade span, and years of operation did not make significant differences in CSS’s school culture except collegial support. Collegial support scores for the K-12 school was significantly higher than the 9-12 schools.

Keywords

• charter schools
• school climate
• school culture
• teacher perception