White Hat FAQ
Who is White Hat Management?
White Hat Management is among the premier educational innovators in the United States, and the largest charter school operator in Ohio. We contract and assist non-profit corporations that either hold charters or see a need to operate a community or charter school.
What makes your schools different from public schools?
Our schools are different because we strive to make learning easier, more efficient and more effective for every student. There's a distinction between what we learn and how we learn it—"what" gets nowhere if "how" isn't respected.
White Hat Management-run schools aspire to give each student the opportunity to achieve his or her maximum ability. With this goal in mind, the focus of the educational program rests upon two overriding instructional undertakings: reading and mathematics. A student's degree of success during his or her school years (and later in life) is largely determined by the mastery of these subjects. For example, Life Skills Centers use a technology-rich educational delivery format that allows students to work at their own pace. In addition, the academics are linked to vocational exploration and training, giving students real-life experience for the subjects they are learning. Also, Life Skills Centers do not assign grade levels to students. Each student receives an Individualized Academic and Career Plan, which guides the student through the Life Skills Centers curriculum. The scheduling of classes also allows students greater flexibility, so it's easier for students to maintain family, work, and school responsibilities. Finally, Life Skills Centers are open year-round, enabling students to adapt to the demands of employment prior to graduation from high school.
As a taxpayer, should I be concerned that I am paying twice for schools—the public schools and these charter schools?
No. Although charter schools are funded by the state, each school is paid per student. Therefore, if a child withdraws from a traditional public school system and enrolls in one of our charter public schools, the state funding is merely transferred from the traditional public system to our public charter school.
How are charter schools being held accountable?
Charter school sponsors hold the schools accountable through their community school contracts. This accountability typically includes attendance, state proficiency testing, grades, discipline, and more. Charter schools also comply with the state's fiscal reporting requirements.
Are your schools safe?
Yes. We foster a cooperative friendly environment that involves the parents. This philosophy creates a sense of belonging to our schools, which, in turn, creates a safer environment.