Overview Questions: What is a charter school?
A charter school is a public school and may provide instruction in any of grades K-12. A charter school is usually created or organized by a group of teachers, parents and community leaders or a community-based organization, and is usually authorized by an existing local public school board or county board of education. Specific goals and operating procedures for the charter school are detailed in an agreement (or “charter”) between the authorizing board and charter organizers. The charter sponsors monitor the quality and integrity of the school, but charter schools design and deliver programs tailored to educational excellence and community needs. Schools are freed from traditional bureaucratic regulations that stifle innovation.
