What is a Charter School?

Charter schools are free, public, and open to all students who live in the attendance zone that is specified in the school’s charter contract. When a charter school is approved by either a county or the state, the school is given flexibility in instructional, financial, and operational decisions. In exchange, the school is required to meet academic, financial, and operational goals that are established in the charter contract.

Learn More about Charter Schools in Georgia:

Charter Schools Are…

• Public schools that establish options for parents

• Publicly funded, but organized by an independent non-profit governing board

• Tuition-free

• Often include partnerships with local communities and businesses

• Operate according to the terms of their charter contract

• Must have open enrollment for ALL students in the attendance zone

• Nonsectarian / Non-religious

• Adhere to federal legislation, laws, rules, and regulation

• Access flexibility waivers from some state laws