FAQ

What is a Charter School?

1. Charter Schools are self-managed public schools that are approved by local
   school districts.
2. Charter Schools are created and controlled by parents, teachers, community
   leaders, and colleges or universities.
3. Charter schools operate free from many educational mandates, except for those
   concerning nondiscrimination, health and safety and accountability.
4. Charter Schools offer alternatives in education using strategies that may save
   money and improve student performance.
5. Charter schools are financed through public local, State and federal funds, but
   are independent of local school boards
6. The authority of the charter school to provide education is through a “charter,” a
   type of contract, between the charter school board of trustees and one of the
   chartering entities.
7. Charter schools typically focus on innovative curricula, new approaches to
   school organization or instruction, or some other feature that differentiates
   them from regular public schools.
8. Charter schools enroll students through an impartial application procedure.

Useful Links:

http://pacharters.org/why-charters/

http://www.publiccharters.org/