{"id":354889,"date":"2016-04-04T11:01:45","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:01:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/education\/education-options\/charter-schools.html"},"modified":"2023-11-14T15:11:54","modified_gmt":"2023-11-14T20:11:54","slug":"charter-schools","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/education-options\/charter-schools.html","title":{"rendered":"Charter Schools"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Charter Schools<\/h1>\n
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\n By Jade Yeban, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Susan Mills Richmond, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Education is a journey. For many learners and their families, the decision of where to attend school is critical. Within the realm of public education, there’s an option known as charter schools. A charter school is an independently operated school. Many parents opt to send their children to charter schools.<\/p>\r\n

Charter schools generally have more operational flexibility than public schools. This is in exchange for heightened performance accountability. Contracts, or charters, create charter schools. Local or state educational agencies must approve the charter first. Once the school is built, the state will review charter schools every year.<\/p>\r\n

Charter schools have two checks that ensure high performance. First, the state monitors academic performance. If the state determines the school fails to meet these goals, the state can revoke the charter. Second, if parents are dissatisfied with the school’s performance they can enroll their child elsewhere.<\/p>\r\n

This article dives into charter schools in the United States.<\/p>\r\n

A Brief Overview and History of Charter Schools<\/h2>\r\n

Charter schools have become an integral part of the American educational landscape since their inception in the early 1990s. These schools are rooted in the idea of giving schools more autonomy. Charter schools provide an educational option separate from traditional public schools. Each school operates under a charter, also called a contract, granted by authorizers. This may be a school board or a State Board of Education.<\/p>\r\n

Charter school laws vary by state. These laws permit these institutions to operate with more flexibility. There is greater flexibility in their curriculum and management. Today, there are charter institutions serving students from elementary through high school. The number of charter schools has grown. Charter school students often have access to unique and specialized programs that are not always available in mainstream schools.<\/p>\r\n

Educational agencies and providers collaborate with each other. They work to ensure these schools offer diverse and innovative curriculums. School administrators in charter institutions have the liberty to tailor education methods. They can relate them more closely to their student demographics, but they remain accountable to their states’ standards and testing. State funding<\/a> typically supports charter schools, but the amount of funding can vary based on enrollment or other factors.<\/p>\r\n

Charter schools can be public or private. Taxpayers fund public charter schools. These schools must adhere to certain state regulations. Private charter schools operate without state funding. They have greater leeway in their operations. Read more about privatized charter schools below.<\/p>\r\n

How Is a Charter School Formed?<\/h2>\r\n

To start a new charter school, a group of educators, parents, or community leaders must first submit a charter application to an authorizer. This application outlines their plan for the school’s academic program. It also provides the governing board structure and grade levels they wish to serve. The application addresses any other key details as well. If the charter is approved, the school can begin its start-up process and open its doors for the school year.<\/p>\r\n

Each year, the charter school provides an annual report that shows its academic performance, enrollment numbers, and expenditures. This report creates an accountability system for these schools. Charter schools must adhere to state laws and amendments while also abiding by federal laws under the United States Code<\/a> (U.S.C.). For example, charter schools must abide by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act<\/a>, which means they must accommodate students with special needs.<\/p>\r\n

The exact process for forming a charter school varies by state. First, the state in which you live must allow charter schools. Some states have specific application processes, while others have more free-form petitions to the State Department of Education. Check with your state’s Department of Education to learn more.<\/p>\r\n

Pros of Charter School<\/h2>\r\n

There are several pros of charter schools:<\/p>\r\n