Characteristics of Charter Schools

While charter schools vary in their teaching and learning methodology, curricula, student assessment measures, and administrative structure, there are some characteristics that define all charter schools. They are:

Tuition free: Charter schools are publicly-funded schools and are not allowed to charge students beyond the funds that the state and local district provide for their operations.

Non-sectarian: Charters must be non-sectarian in their educational programs, admissions policies, employment practices, and all other aspects of their operations.

Non-discriminatory: Charter schools must comply with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, and gender. They must also be accessible to students with disabilities and other special needs.

Open Admissions: Charter schools must be open to all students who seek enrollment. When a school is not able to accommodate all of the students who apply, admission is determined by lottery. In Rhode Island, all charter schools must reflect the demographics of the districts within which they are located.