Charter Facts
Charter schools in Colorado are tuition‑free public schools open to all students. They offer diverse teaching models and high academic outcomes across urban, suburban, and rural communities.
Quick Facts
| Metric | Statistic |
| Charter schools in Colorado | ~261 school serving 136,000+ students (2025–26) |
| Share of total public school students | 15% statewide enrollment |
| Coverage | Across 70+ Colorado communities, including rural, urban, and suburban locales |
| Diversity | Charter schools enroll more students of color and English Language Learners (ELLs) than traditional public schools |
Seek the Truth
- Charter schools are public schools.
- Colorado sharter schools must be non-profit by law.
- Charter schools do not charge tuition.
- Charter schools use non-discriminatory enrollment practices.
- There are no test-in requirements to attend charter schools.
- Charter school students must take state assessments.
- Charter schools are subject to the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).
- Charter schools serve a broad range of students, including low-income students, racial and ethnic students of color, and students with disabilities or other special needs.
- Charter school programs and academic designs are as diverse as the students they enroll. Some charters implement longer school days, while others implement curricula specifically designed for at-risk students, gifted children, pregnant/parenting teens, juvenile offenders, and more.
