Competition or Compliment; Examining Community Perceptions and Knowledge of Charter Schools in Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Steam Academy, a brick-and-mortar charter school established in 2021 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, serves as a focal point in ongoing debates over school choice and the relationship between charter schools and traditional public schools. This study examines community perceptions and knowledge of charter schools, with particular attention to how misinformation and adversarial dynamics affect relationships between the Pennsylvania Steam Academy and its authorizing district, the Harrisburg School District, and all charters. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research explores the strengths and weaknesses perceived by the community, the accuracy of knowledge about charter schools, and whether improved understanding can foster increased public support. The study situates these findings within the broader historical and policy context of charter school development in Pennsylvania, highlighting fiscal implications and potential reductions in litigation costs through better communication and transparency. Ultimately, the research aims to bridge knowledge gaps, reduce conflict, and promote collaboration between traditional public schools and charter schools, offering recommendations for policy and community engagement that can be applied locally and nationally.