What Is a Charter School? Understanding Public Charter Education
Families exploring public education options often ask, “What is a charter school?” Charter schools are public schools that are independently operated and publicly funded, with the flexibility to innovate while remaining accountable to high academic and operational standards.
Charter schools are opened by educators, parents, and civic leaders who are committed to expanding high-quality public education options.
Like traditional public schools, charter schools are tuition-free and open to all students. They receive public funding and are held accountable by authorizers, such as school districts or state education agencies. What sets charter schools apart is the autonomy they are granted to design programs that meet the specific needs of their communities.
How Charter Schools Work
Charter schools operate under a charter, or contract, that outlines their mission, educational approach, performance goals, and accountability measures. In exchange for greater flexibility in areas such as curriculum, staffing, and scheduling, charter schools must demonstrate strong academic outcomes and responsible financial management.
This balance of autonomy and accountability allows charter schools to respond more quickly to the needs of students and educators. Many charter schools focus on innovative teaching models, extended learning time, college and career readiness, or specialized academic pathways.
Charter Schools Are Public Schools
A common misconception is that charter schools are private. In fact, charter schools are part of the public education system. They do not charge tuition, cannot select scholars based on academic ability, and must serve all scholars, including those with special needs and English learners.
Charter schools are also required to meet state academic standards and participate in statewide assessments, just like traditional public schools.
Why Families Choose Charter Schools
Families are often drawn to charter schools because they offer:
- A clear mission and academic focus
- Innovative instructional models
- Strong school culture and community engagement
- A commitment to preparing scholars for college, career, and life
Accountability and Impact
Charter schools that do not meet performance standards can be closed, which creates a high level of accountability. This ensures that charter schools remain focused on delivering results for scholars and families.
At Alliance, we believe public education should continuously evolve to meet the needs of today’s scholars. Charter schools play an important role in advancing innovation, equity, and opportunity within the public education system.