What Is a Public Charter School?
A public charter school is a tuition-free public school that is open to all students and operates under a state-approved charter. Like traditional public schools, charter schools are funded with public dollars, must meet state academic standards, and are accountable for student outcomes. Families do not pay tuition, and admission is not based on academic ability, income, or background.
What distinguishes charter schools is how they are structured and governed, not whether they are public. Charter schools are authorized by a state-approved authorizer and operate under a formal performance contract — called a charter — that outlines academic expectations, operational responsibilities, and accountability measures. If a charter school fails to meet the standards set in its charter, it can be required to improve or, in some cases, closed.
Public, but with Defined Flexibility
Charter schools are part of the public education system. They are not private schools, and they are not selective. Their defining feature is that they are granted limited flexibility in exchange for heightened accountability.
This flexibility allows charter schools to:
- Design a school model around a clear educational mission
- Make instructional and organizational decisions closer to the classroom
- Respond more directly to student and community needs
In return, charter schools must demonstrate results. Authorizers regularly evaluate charter schools on academic performance, financial stewardship, governance, and compliance with state and federal law.
Open Enrollment and Public Accountability
Public charter schools are open-enrollment schools. When demand exceeds available seats, enrollment is determined through a public lottery process, ensuring fairness and equal access.
Charter schools are also required to:
- Administer state assessments
- Report academic and financial data publicly
- Comply with civil rights, special education, and student protection laws
- Operate transparently under nonprofit governance
These requirements ensure that charter schools remain accountable to both families and the public.
Why Charter Schools Exist
Charter schools were created to expand high-quality public school options while maintaining strong oversight. Their purpose is not to replace traditional public schools, but to provide additional models that can meet diverse student needs and encourage innovation within public education.
Across the country, charter schools serve communities in urban, suburban, and rural settings. Some focus on classical education, others on STEM, career preparation, or community-centered learning. What unites them is a shared responsibility to deliver results for students.
How This Relates to Community Charter School (CCS)
Community Charter School (CCS) is currently in the charter evaluation process to become a public charter school serving Williston and surrounding communities. Like all proposed charter schools, CCS must demonstrate a clear educational mission, a sound academic plan, responsible governance, and the capacity to operate successfully before any approval is granted.
As part of this process, CCS is engaging the community in learning about how charter schools work and what a proposed school model would stand for — academically, operationally, and culturally.
Understanding what a public charter school is provides important context for evaluating any proposed charter school, including CCS. In the articles that follow, we will explore how charter schools are authorized, how they are held accountable, and how Community Charter School’s proposed model fits within this public framework.