Wide, Wide World of Walmart Education Macromanagement

[Click this link to see and access interactive map and progress reports]

(Investment Sites Map)

The Walton family foundation overview (at the link) is stated this way (emphasis is mine):

"The Walton Family Foundation is committed to improving K-12 education in the United States at every level – in traditional public schools, charter public schools and private schools. Our core strategy is to infuse competitive pressure into America’s K-12 education system by increasing the quantity and quality of school choices available to parents, especially in low-income communities. When all families are empowered to choose from among several quality school options, all schools will be fully motivated to provide the best possible education. Better school performance leads, in turn, to higher student achievement, lower dropout rates and greater numbers of students entering and completing college. Through three distinct initiatives, we invest in efforts to shift decision-making power over where a child attends school to his or her family by:

• Shaping public policy
• Creating quality schools 
• Improving existing schools"

My general view on Charter Schools (and yes, I am a 100% product of public school (K-12) and several public universities as well follows this short summary from here (again the emphasis is mine):

Here are some aspects of charter schools that may appeal to parents: 

• Admission is open to all students in the communities a charter school serves, including special needs students. Any student can apply, but if more students apply than there are spaces available, students are selected by a random lottery.
•  Charter schools tend to be smaller schools, with an average of about 200 students vs. about 500 in traditional public schools. Some parents say they have a smaller, community feel with “less bureaucracy.”
• Charter schools tend to “create a community hub” wherein they can bring together students and parents from all different backgrounds in a safe educational setting in many violence and poverty-stricken urban and rural neighborhoods where they operate. 
• Some charter schools have a specific academic focus, such as science and math or the arts.

Some more “pro's and con's” are listed here - good site.

I strongly believe every child needs a good, safe, and professionally-lead school environment to learn and grow. I do think that picking and choosing by the ultra rich is the answer. Public schools are charted, too, with a mandate to accept and teach every child regardless of their race, family financial status, or so-called social standing. I simply do not see the overall solution or “fix” with Charter Schools. 

Do the research yourself. It can be a real eye-opener.