Charter schools: a legitimate choice.

I cannot even begin to tell you how disappointed I was to read your article "Charter For Controversy" (June Church & State). I live in Rocklin, home to Breen Elementary School, famed for the "God Bless America" public school fiasco. As a whole, people here remain steadfast and stubborn in their reluctance to accept the fact that religion has no place in our public schools.

For this reason, as well as so many others, I was delighted to find Maria Montessori Charter Academy (MMCA) for my son last year. Here is a school that really does offer the "educational choice" that you mock in your article. The beauty of a Montessori education is that this year my naturally inquisitive, 5-year-old son moved easily through reading at the kindergarten level, excelled beyond his years in math (his favorite subject) and all the while enjoyed his education in a way I know I never did. Unfortunately for me and my son, MMCA was granted its charter by the Twin Ridges Elementary School District, the antagonist of your misleading article.

I am a staunch advocate for the separation of church and state. I have been a member of AU since I learned of its existence two years ago. I was shocked and disappointed at the sheer ignorance of your blanket accusation, "The charter school movement has opened secondary education doors to many groups of people--some looking to make money, others intending to bring religion or varying philosophies into schools ..." I guarantee there is no hidden religious non-profit entity, and I assure you, no one is getting rich in this venture.

I would also argue that the main focus of your attack on the Waldorf system centered on your dislike for their unconventional educational philosophy. A critique such as this has no place in Church & State. Who are you to criticize the Waldorf educational philosophy? Are you an independent entity, concerned with defending the First Amendment, or do you represent the interests of America's struggling public school system? One has nothing to do with the other.

Offering parents choices in educational philosophy does not automatically violate the separation of church and state. AU, defend my religious freedom but please refrain from restricting my legitimate choices.

Laura Koerner

Rocklin, Calif.

Editors Note: Our article was neither an attack on anthroposophy nor a condemnation of all charter schools. It was, however, a warning that the charter school concept can easily be co-opted to advance religious, political or personal agendas. The examples in the story amply illustrate the problems that can occur when there is inadequate oversight by public authorities. Taxpayers' money must never be spent to subsidize religious indoctrination whether it takes places in public schools, charter schools or private religious academies.