Charter School 411
What You Need to Know
Charter schools are tuition-free public schools that offer families innovative and high-quality educational options within the public school system. They are designed to meet diverse student needs, provide choice for families, and foster new approaches to teaching and learning.
What is a Charter School?
A charter school is a public school that operates under a performance contract—or "charter"—with a designated authorizer. This agreement outlines the school's mission, program, goals, and methods of assessment.
Key facts:
- They are tuition-free and open to all students.
- They are held accountable for academic results and financial practices.
- They are independently operated, often by educators, parents, or nonprofit organizations.
- They offer curriculum and instructional freedom to better meet student needs.
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All students deserve a high-quality education that prepares them for success in college and their career. Across Colorado, charter schools improve student achievement and provide students with the flexibility and innovative teaching they need
How do Charter Schools Work?
Charter schools receive public funding and are subject to the same academic standards and state assessments as traditional public schools. However, they are given greater autonomy in areas such as curriculum, staffing, budgeting, and operations.
In exchange for this flexibility, they are held to a higher level of accountability. If a charter school fails to meet the goals outlined in its charter, it may be closed.
How are they different from District Schools?
| Feature | Charter Schools | Traditional Public Schools |
| Tuition-Free | Yes | Yes |
| Open to All | Yes | Yes (based on school boundaries) |
| Performance-Based | Yes (contract governed) | Yes (state oversight) |
| Autonomy | High (school-level decisions) | More limited (district-run) |
| Accountability | High (renewal every 3-5 years) | Varies (typically system-level) |
Who Can Start a Charter School?
A charter school can be founded by:
- Educators
- Parents or community members
- Public institutions
- Nonprofit organizations
They must apply to an authorizer (such as a school district or the state) and outline a clear plan for operations, student outcomes, and community impact.
Oversight & Accountability
All charter schools in Colorado must:
- Meet state and federal accountability standards
- Administer statewide assessments
- Follow all laws governing public schools, including nondiscrimination
- Submit annual performance reports and financial audits
- Meet renewal conditions based on academic and operational outcomes