A charter school is a self-managed autonomous public school that can provide instruction in any grade from Kindergarten through 12^th. A charter school falls in the niche between a private and public school. A charter school may be newly created, or it may have been previously a public or private school.

Charter schools have emerged as an alternative to the traditional system of education. Charter schools have more individual attention than conventional public schools. Since charter schools usually offer smaller classes, the number of students seeking admission is sometimes more than the number that can be admitted. When this happens, many charter schools use a lottery system and/or keep waiting lists. A charter school registration process is explicitly stated in the school’s charter.

All charter schools are public schools of choice, chosen by teachers, parents and students. Charter schools give parents the opportunity to offer real input in their child’s education. They also give educators freedom to try new strategies to inspire student achievement. Parents and educators are looking at chartering as a way to increase educational choice and innovation within the public school system. Charter schools give more authority to teachers, administrators, and students to make decisions than most traditional public schools. Sometimes, they specialize in a particular area.

• HOW IS A CHARTER SCHOOL CREATED?
• HOW ARE CHARTER SCHOOLS GOVERNED?
• WHO PAYS TO OPERATE A CHARTER SCHOOL?
• ARE CHARTER SCHOOLS PRIVATE & DOES IT COST EXTRA?