Charter School Information

Charter schools are public schools of choice. Charter schools are operated according to the provisions of a charter document. The charter document is a contract that gives the charter petitioner the authority and the public funding to operate the charter school and states how the charter school will be run. In order to continue to operate the charter school the charter petitioner is required to meet the performance objectives stated in the charter document.

There are 2 primary types of charter school:

1. Conversion charter schools. An existing traditional public school can become a charter school if the faculty and parents at the school vote to convert the school to a charter school (subject to approval of their charter petition).
2. Start-up charter schools. Individuals and organizations can submit a petition to start a new charter school from scratch.

Charter schools help put the public back in public education by encouraging participation by parents and the local community.

Charter schools give principals the authority to manage effectively.

Charter schools allow teachers the flexibility to utilize innovative methods to reach all children.

Charter schools are public schools and can not charge tuition.