Outside the Box On-Demand

Outside the Box offers insights into the operation of charter schools and examines their short-term and long-term effectiveness. Watch On-Demand

Amid controversy, charter schools — free public schools funded by tax dollars — first opened in the United States 20 years ago, largely in response to low graduation rates and the failure of schools to better prepare students for higher education and the job market. Today, charter schools make up an increasing percentage of the U.S. educational landscape, with approximately 5,000 schools in 41 states. Featuring interviews with experts, educators, parents and students, Outside the Box is on-demand below. The half-hour documentary also explores the financial challenges of opening a charter school and examines the role of authorizers, those responsible for granting charters and overseeing the school's academic performance, financial health and more. OUTSIDE THE BOX visits several nationally recognized schools, including The Preuss School in San Diego, Christel House Academy in Indianapolis and KIPP Empower Academy in South Central Los Angeles.