A charter school is a public school that is independent from a school district. They are open to all children, are tuition-free, and they do not have special entrance requirements. Charter schools receive their funding from state and federal governments, and local donations, just like district schools. They are accountable to the state for students' performance (measured by testing) and to both the state and federal government for finance allocation and management. Charter schools are overseen by an authorizer; in Utah the State Board of Education authorizes charter schools.
Charter schools operate based on an authorizer-approved charter. A charter is a contract that deals with the school's mission, program, students served, performance goals, methods of assessment and financial structure. Charter schools are autonomous in their management; if they are meeting state and federal guidelines for student performance and financial management and allocation, they can deliver their curriculum and programs according to their choosing.
Like all public schools, charter schools are tuition-free. They are funded based on enrollment and receive funds on a per-pupil basis. The majority of funding comes from the state for facility and education costs. Charter schools are entitled to federal categorical funding for which their students are eligible, like Special Education and Title I money. The federal government also provides grants to help charters manage start-up costs.
Charter schools are able to welcome all students wishing to enroll until they meet their enrollment capacity, as outlined in their charter. At this point, the school organizes a lottery in which students are randomly selected from the enrollment pool. Students not selected in the lottery are placed on a wait list, and are contacted as positions become available.
Parents, teachers, or community groups establish charter schools. Founders put in a tremendous about of time, dedication, and effort to launch a school that will meet the needs of its students. Athenian eAcademy has a dedicated team of educators, legislators, and parents that are committed to establishing excellent schools throughout rural Utah.
Sources:
National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, http://www.publiccharters.org/get-the-facts/public-charter-schools/
Uncommon Schools, www.uncommonschools.org
