What Is A Charter School

What Is A Charter School?

What is a Charter SchoolIn 1992, lawmakers passed the California Charter Schools Act to encourage innovation in public education and increase opportunities for students, families, and teachers. A charter school is a tuition-free public school that operates independently from local school districts.

Charter schools are considered “schools of choice,” meaning they are open to any student who wants to apply, as long as he or she lives within the state. If more students apply than space permits, charter schools are required to hold a lottery for admission. There are no admission tests or tuition fees at charter schools.

Charter schools have more flexibility in their program design, personnel decisions, and resource allocation. In exchange for this freedom, public charter schools are held accountable for their school’s performance including student achievement, organizational and fiscal management and stakeholder satisfaction.