What is a charter school?

Charter schools provide parents a choice in the education of their children - and it is a public choice.  Public tax dollars are the primary funding source for charter schools.  Most local, state, and federal dollars follow the child to a charter school.  The schools have open enrollment with no discrimination, no religious association, and no tuition. 

The North Carolina Association for Public Charter Schools created this PowerPoint presentation to answer some key questions about Charter Schools.

How do you enroll in a charter school?

Parents must contact each individual charter school to see if they have openings.  If they have more applications than available slots, an open lottery must be instituted to fill the remaining spots. 

How much does it cost to attend a charter school?

Charter schools are tuition free.  They are public schools and funding for the schools comes from federal, state, and local taxes. 

Do charter schools take the mandated tests?

Yes. All charter schools are required to take the state mandated tests including EOG (End of Grade) and EOC (End of Course) tests. 

Do the Read to Achieve reading requirements affect charter school students?

Yes.  Charter school students must meet the same Read to Achieve requirements as any other public school student. 

How are charter schools funded?

As public schools, charters are not allowed to charge tuition, and they are funded according to enrollment.  In most states, charters do not receive capital funds for facilities.  They are entitled to federal categorical funding for which their students are eligible, such as Title I and Special Education monies.  

Do charter schools have admissions policies?

By law, charter schools muct have fair and open admissions processes, conducting outreach and recruitment to all segments of the community they serve. When more students apply than can be accomodated, many charters use a lottery to randomly determine which students can be accepted.  Many charter schools also have waiting lists.

Source: NC Office of Charter Schools