What is a Charter School?
Charter schools are free, public schools that are independently operated and exchange a high accountability for a high degree of autonomy.
- There are no admissions tests or tuition. Charter schools are open to every student within the public school system who wishes to enroll.
- If demand exceeds available seats, charters hold a lottery to determine admission.
- Charters exchange significant autonomy for greater accountability over results. This autonomy allows charters to offer:
- A longer school day and school year;
- Freedom to attract and hire the best teachers, regardless of credentials;
- Greater control and flexibility over curriculum.
- Freedom to be innovative and a commitment to improving public education.
To learn more about charter schools and their results versus traditional public schools check out these publications.
- Catalyst Chicago, Independent Reporting on Urban Schools: To keep and graduate freshmen, turn to charter schools for answers
- National Alliance for Public Charter Schools: Measuring Charter Performance: A Review of Charter Achievement Studies