Charter School

Charter schools are elementary or secondary schools in the United States that receive public money but have been freed from some of the rules, regulations, and statutes that apply to other public schools in exchange for some type of accountability for producing certain results, which are set forth in each school's charter.

While charter schools provide an alternative to other public schools, they are part of the public education system and are therefore not allowed to charge tuition. In charter schools where space at is limited, admission is frequently lottery-based. Some charter schools (commonly termed magnet schools) provide a curriculum that specializes in a certain field -- e.g. arts, mathematics, etc. Others simply attempt to provide a better and more efficient general education than nearby public schools.

Some charter schools are founded by teachers, parents, or activists who feel restricted by traditional public schools. State-run charters (schools not affiliated with local school districts) are often established by non-profit groups, universities, and some government entities. Additionally, some school districts permit corporations to open chains of for-profit charter schools.