Publicly funded elementary and secondary schools that operate under a charter, contract, or performance agreement granting them greater autonomy than traditional public schools in exchange for increased accountability for student outcomes. Charter schools are typically exempt from certain state or local regulations governing district-operated public schools but must meet specific academic, financial, and operational requirements outlined in their charter agreements. Unlike private schools, charter schools are considered part of the public education system. They do not charge tuition, receive public funding, and are accountable to an authorized public entity, such as a state agency, university, nonprofit authorizer, or local school district.

Charter schools are designed to encourage innovation in educational approaches, curriculum design, governance, scheduling, and student support services. Many charter schools focus on specialized themes such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), performing arts, language immersion, college preparation, career and technical education (CTE), workforce development, or other areas of interest.

The first charter school law was enacted in Minnesota in 1991. Since then, charter schools have expanded across much of the U.S. and now serve millions of students. Supporters view charter schools as laboratories for innovation and expanded educational choice, while critics raise concerns about accountability, funding impacts on traditional public schools, and uneven educational outcomes. Charter school policies, oversight structures, and enrollment practices vary considerably by state.

Charter schools are one component of a broader landscape of K–12 learning models and school options that also includes magnet schools, private schools, homeschooling, virtual schools, microschools, hybrid schools, and career academies.

Internationally, similar models exist under different names. Examples include Academy Schools and Free Schools in England; Friskolor (Free Schools) in Sweden; charter schools in Alberta, Canada; Partnership Schools (Kura Hourua) in New Zealand; and autonomous or independent public-school models in countries such as Australia and Singapore. While these systems differ in governance and regulation, they generally combine public funding with increased institutional flexibility and accountability.

See Topic Brief: K–12 Learning Models & School Options | Learn & Work Ecosystem Library