A charter school is a public school that is tuition-free and open to all students but run independently under a contract, called a charter, with an authorizing body. In exchange for freedom over curriculum, schedule and staffing, it must meet the goals in its charter or risk being closed. Charter laws vary by state, and some states do not allow charters at all.
How charter schools work
- Public funding. Charters receive public money and do not charge tuition. Some fundraise for extras.
- Independent operation. A charter is run by its own board, sometimes with a nonprofit or management organization behind it, rather than directly by the school district.
- An authorizer. Depending on the state, the authorizer may be a school district, a state board, a university or another approved body. It approves the charter and decides whether to renew it.
- Accountability. Charters generally take state tests and must show results to keep their charter. Renewal periods are set by state law.
- Flexibility. Charters can choose a theme, a longer school day, a particular teaching approach or different staffing, within state rules.
How enrollment works
Charters cannot pick students the way private schools do. In general, if more students apply than there are seats, the school holds a lottery. Some states allow preferences, such as for siblings of current students or for families in a certain area. Application windows often close months before the school year starts.
- Find out the application window for each charter you are considering, usually on the school’s website.
- Apply to more than one option and keep your neighborhood school as a backup.
- Ask how the waitlist works and how often families get a seat later in the year.
- If your student enrolls mid-year, read our guide to switching schools mid-year.
Special education at a charter
Because charters are public schools, they have obligations to students with disabilities, including evaluating students and providing services through IEPs and 504 plans. How services are delivered varies; a small charter may share specialists or rely on its district or a larger network. Ask specific questions and read our IEP and 504 plan guide.
- Who provides special education services, and how often are they on campus?
- How will my child’s current IEP or 504 plan be carried over?
- What support exists for students who struggle but do not have a plan?
Questions to ask before you apply
- What is the school’s mission, and what does a normal day look like?
- How long has the school been open, and when is its charter up for renewal?
- What courses does it offer at the high school level, including AP classes or college credit options?
- Does it provide transportation and meals? Some charters do not.
- Does the diploma meet the same graduation requirements as other public schools in the state?
- What sports and activities are available, and can students join teams at their neighborhood school if the charter has none? Rules on this vary by state.
Is a charter right for your student?
Charters vary as much as any other schools. Some are highly structured with strict expectations; others are project-based and loose. A student who needs routine may thrive in the first and drift in the second. Visit, sit in on a class if you can, and talk to current families. Compare with magnet schools, which are also public and specialized but run by the district, and read public vs private school for the wider picture.
Where a mentor helps
Whatever the school model, students still need to manage their time, follow through and speak up. A mentor helps a student settle into a new school culture, build routines around a longer day or a project-based schedule, and stay on track toward graduation. Learn more about mentoring for high school students and our page for families.
Related
- Magnet schools explained
- Online high school options
- Middle to high school transition
- Freshman year of high school
Common questions
Do charter schools cost money?
No. Charter schools are public and tuition-free, though families may be asked to cover some optional costs, as at many public schools.
Are charter teachers licensed?
Requirements depend on the state. Some states require the same licenses as district schools, and others allow more flexibility. Ask the school.
Can a charter school close?
Yes. If an authorizer does not renew a charter, the school can close, often at the end of a school year. Ask about the school’s renewal history.
Is a charter the same as a private school?
No. Charters are public, tuition-free and generally use lotteries when oversubscribed. Private schools charge tuition and choose their students.
Get started
Changing schools and want support while your student settles in? Call (888) 305 5422, email contact@blackburnmentoring.com or start with a short assessment. A member of our team reviews every assessment personally and sets up a free intro call.