Charter schools are nonsectarian public schools of choice that operate with freedom from many of the regulations that apply to traditional public schools. The "charter" establishing each such school is a performance contract detailing the school's mission, program, goals, students served, methods of assessment, and ways to measure success. The length of time for which charters are granted varies, but most are granted for 3-5 years. At the end of the term, the entity granting the charter may renew the school's contract. Charter schools are accountable to their sponsor-- usually a state or local school board-- to produce positive academic results and adhere to the charter contract. The basic concept of charter schools is that they exercise increased autonomy in return for this accountability. They are accountable for both academic results and fiscal practices to several groups: the sponsor that grants them, the parents who choose them, and the public that funds them.

For the legal definition of a charter school in a particular state, consult that state's charter school law through our State Profiles area. We also provide a sampling of other charter school definitions.



The intention of most charter school legislation is to:

• Increase opportunities for learning and access to quality education for all students
• Create choice for parents and students within the public school system
• Provide a system of accountability for results in public education
• Encourage innovative teaching practices
• Create new professional opportunities for teachers
• Encourage community and parent involvement in public education
• Leverage improved public education broadly

People establish charter schools for a variety of reasons. The founders generally fall into three groups: grassroots organizations of parents, teachers and community members; entrepreneurs; or existing schools converting to charter status. According to the first-year report of the National Study of Charter Schools, the three reasons most often cited to create a charter school are to:

• Realize an educational vision
• Gain autonomy
• Serve a special population

Parents and teachers choose charter schools primarily for educational reasons--high academic standards, small class size, innovative approaches, or educational philosophies in line with their own. Some also have chosen charter schools for their small size and associated safety (charter schools serve an average of 250 students).

• Total number of charter laws: 41, (40 states and the District of Columbia, excluding Puerto Rico)
  
  
• Most recent states to pass laws: Maryland (2003), Iowa (2002), Tennessee (2002)
  
  
• Total number of states with schools in operation: 37, excluding Puerto Rico
  
  
• Most recent states to open charter schools: Indiana (2002-2003), Wyoming (2002-2003)
  
  
• Total number of schools in operation: 2,695*
  
  
• Percent increase from the last school year: 15%
  
  
• Total number of students enrolled: almost 685,000*
  
  
• States with the most charter schools in operation: Arizona (464), California (428), Florida (227), Texas (221), Michigan (196)

* The National Charter School Directory 2003, Center for Education Reform (CER)