Myth #1 | "Charter schools aren't real public schools.”
FACT | Oceanlight will be a public school — free, open to everyone, and accountable.
Every student is funded by taxpayer dollars, just like any other public school.
Myth #2 | "Charter schools take money away from public schools."
FACT | Public school dollars follow the student — because funding belongs to kids, not systems.
Families have the right to choose the public school that best fits their child’s needs, and their funding follows that choice. Oceanlight keeps education dollars working for students and within public education.
Myth #3 | "Charter schools weaken public education."
FACT | Oceanlight strengthens public schools by offering innovative, hands-on learning.
Our independence means we meet needs other schools can’t — engaging kids through projects, STEAM, and environmental themes.
Myth #4 | “Charter schools hurt other public schools by competing with them.”
FACT | A strong public education system offers diverse options.
Oceanlight complements district schools by serving students whose needs aren’t met elsewhere and by modeling innovation that benefits all schools.
Myth #5 | "Charters divide communities."
FACT | What divides communities isn’t choice — it’s inequity.
Many families in Northern San Mateo County don’t have access to TK–8 schools with integrated project-based, hands-on learning. Oceanlight helps close those opportunity gaps and ensures that all families — not just those who can afford private options — have real choices.
Myth #6 | "Charter schools don't value teachers."
FACT | Oceanlight will pay teachers competitively, offer solid benefits, and give educators the freedom to
innovate and lead — inside a caring, collaborative public school.
And just like district schools, Oceanlight teachers have the right to unionize if they choose.
Myth #7 | “Charter schools take kids away from public schools.”
FACT | Choice strengthens public education.
Oceanlight offers an innovative learning option missing in North San Mateo County — giving families a reason to stay in public schools and helping our entire community grow stronger together.
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