What makes a charter school different from a traditional public school?
The Michigan legislature recognizes all Michigan charter schools as public schools and pays State school aid to them based on their enrollment and foundation amount, the same as traditional public schools. Charter schools are non-sectarian, must follow all federal and State regulations and laws, and may not charge tuition or be part of a voucher system. The key difference between the two is: Charter schools are established through a contract that specifies the operating procedures of the school and the length of time that the school will receive public support. Charters are granted a specific amount of autonomy (determined by State law and the local charter) to make decisions concerning the structure, curriculum, and educational emphasis of the school. In return for this autonomy, charter schools are held accountable for the academic achievement of the students in the school, and the school faces suspension or closure if accepted performance standards are not met.
