Charter schools are public schools run by independent entities sponsored by a state-approved organization such as a state board of education, a state university, community college or local school district. The voluntary enrollment structure is intended to make charter schools more accountable for student achievement. As a result, charter schools are granted some level of autonomy and freedom from certain local and state regulations. Accordingly, charter schools may hire their own staff, develop their own curriculum and set their own educational programs and methods of operation under the oversight of the school board and authorizer/sponsor.
Charter schools receive funds on a per-student basis from the state in which they operate, just like traditional public schools. As such, they do not charge tuition. Charter schools must admit any student who applies unless the classroom capacity is exceeded, in which case a public lottery is held. In addition, charter schools must be non-sectarian and adhere to all state and federal educational, health and safety regulations.
Charter schools are held accountable through the various structures developed by each state, including their school boards, the universities who grant charters and state boards of education. In addition, if a charter school does not meet specific standards as determined by the state, the school’s charter may not be renewed and it may be shut down.
While some charter schools operate independently, others contract with charter school management organizations like National Heritage Academies to help run the school, including hiring and managing staff, providing curriculum and managing the facility.
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