» What is a charter school?

A Charter School

A charter school is a public school that is nonsectarian and nonreligious and operates under a contract or charter. Under Indiana Code, charter schools are established to serve the different learning styles and needs of public school students, to offer public school students appropriate and innovative choices, to afford varied opportunities for professional educators, to allow freedom and flexibility in exchange for exceptional levels of accountability, and to provide parents, students, community members, and local entities with an expanded opportunity for involvement in the public school system.

Charter schools got their name from the charter, or contract, the organizers of the school sign with an authorizer, also known as a sponsor.  The sponsors are designated by state law and are responsible for school oversight and ensuring that the charter school complies with applicable state and federal laws and the terms of the charter.

Like traditional public schools, charter public schools must have open enrollment policies and cannot discriminate based on disability, race, color, gender, national origin, religion, or ancestry.