About Charter Schools
Winning for Kids
What is a Charter School?
Charter schools are public schools that operate with more flexibility than traditional district schools in exchange for greater accountability. They are free, open to all students, and funded by taxpayers—but they’re governed by independent contracts, or "charters," that outline the school’s mission, performance goals, and operational structure.
Each charter school is typically run by a nonprofit organization or a group of educators and community members. These schools have the freedom to design their own curriculum, hire teachers aligned to their vision, and create a learning environment that meets the unique needs of their students.
What makes charter schools unique is the balance of autonomy and accountability:
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Autonomy allows them to innovate with teaching methods, academic programs, and school culture.
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Accountability means they must meet the academic and operational goals outlined in their charter or risk being closed.
Since the first charter law passed in 1991, the movement has grown across the country. Today, charter schools serve millions of students in urban, rural, and suburban communities—offering families more public school options and helping shape the future of education.
Explore the Moments that Made the Charter Schools Movement
Who’s Who in Charter Schools: Authorizers, Boards, and Management Organizations
Charter schools are public schools with a unique governance structure. Behind every successful charter school is a team of partners working together to ensure students thrive. Here’s a quick look at the key players and what they do:
Authorizers: The Gatekeepers and Oversight Leaders
Charter school authorizers are the organizations (like state agencies, school districts, or independent bodies) that approve and monitor charter schools.
They’re responsible for:
- Reviewing and approving charter applications
- Holding schools accountable for academic and financial performance
- Renewing or revoking charters based on results
Authorizers ensure schools deliver on their promises and serve students well.
Boards: The Governing Body
Each charter school is governed by an independent, nonprofit board. The board provides oversight and sets the vision for the school.
Their responsibilities include:
- Hiring and evaluating the school leader or management organization
- Overseeing finances, compliance, and strategic direction
- Ensuring the school fulfills its mission and serves all students equitably
A strong, engaged board is essential for long-term success.
Management Organizations: The Operators
Some charter schools partner with Charter Management Organizations (CMOs) or Education Management Organizations (EMOs) to run daily operations.
These organizations typically handle:
- Academic programming and staffing
- Back-office services like HR, finance, and data
- Implementation of the school’s instructional model
They allow boards and leaders to focus on strategy while ensuring smooth, consistent operations.
