The Basics
Charter schools are public elementary and secondary schools that have independence from selected state and local rules in exchange for accepting greater responsibility for student performance. States determine in their charter school legislation what rules may be waived, who may obtain a charter, and the procedures for obtaining a charter. Charter schools operate under these approved charters -- or contracts -- that specify the schools' educational programs, what rules will be waived, and the student outcomes for which the schools will be held accountable.

Some Key Features of Charter Schools
Charter schools vary from state to state and school to school. Once common feature, however, is that charter schools must develop clear statements of the student outcomes they expect, and how they will measure progress toward those outcomes. In return, the schools are given additional independence in areas such as curriculum, budgeting, and personnel decisions. The charter is generally for a fixed period of time, at which point results are reviewed and the charter may be disolved if the school is not meeting the objectives.

What Gives Charter Schools the Advantage?

• Freedom from selected rules may spur innovation, allowing teachers to concentrate on improving instruction.
• Control over staffing and budget gives charter school operators greater flexibility to appropriately target resources as they see fit.
• Increased accountability and a focus on results may lead to improvements in student achievement.

Some Interesting Facts

• Charter schools are extremely diverse, and their approaches to education often vary greatly from one another.
• Most charter schools are small; about 60% enrolled fewer than 200 students.
• The most frequently reported reason for founding a new charter school was "realizing a vision" (67%).

For more information, visit:

U.S. Charter Schools
A Study of Charter Schools