Charter schools in the United States

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Charter schools in the United States are primary or secondary education institutions which receive government funding but operate with a degree of autonomy or independence from local public school districts. Charter schools have a contract with local public school districts or other governmental authorizing bodies that allow them to operate. These contracts, or charters, are how charter schools bear their name. Charter schools may also fundraise independently, in addition to the funding they receive from the government. The rules governing charter schools differ in each of the states that allow them.

Charters are run as either non-profit or for-profit institutions. However, there are some for-profit management organizations that hold charters, though these are only allowed in Arizona.^[2] Only non-profit charters can receive donations from private sources, just the same as traditional public schools.^[3]

As of 2021-2022 there were an estimated 7,800 public charter schools in 46 states and the District of Columbia, with approximately 3.7 million students^[4] In 2015 alone, more than 400 new charter schools opened while 270 schools closed due to low enrollment, lack of finances or low performance.^[5] Waiting lists grew from an average of 233 in 2009 to 277 in 2012,^[6] with places allocated by a lottery.^[7] They educate the majority of children in New Orleans Public Schools.^[8] Some charter schools provide a specialized curriculum (for example in arts, mathematics, or vocational training).

Charter schools may be founded by individuals or teacher-parent groups. Two-thirds of charter schools are freestanding and independent, though some charters are managed through a charter or educational management organization, which can be for-profit and non-profit entities that can manage one or more charter schools.^[9] The first state law in the United States authorizing charter schools was enacted in Minnesota in 1991, and the first charter school that opened as a result of this new law was the City Academy High School in St. Paul.^[10]