Just the Facts.

what are charter public schools?

Charter schools are public schools that operate under five-year "charters" granted by the Commonwealth's Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. These schools operate with more autonomy than traditional public schools and are held to the highest standards by the Commonwealth. Greater autonomy allows charters to tailor their approach to ensure all children can reach their full potential.

Fact #1: charter public schools are Open to all.

As public schools, charters are tuition-free and open to all students. Charter public schools allow parents the freedom to decide which school best fits the unique needs of their child.

fact #2: Charter public schools serve a diverse student population.

Massachusetts' 74 charter schools serve a diverse population of 43,000 students across the state. Charters enroll a higher percentage of high-needs students than district public schools statewide.

fact #3: Charter public schools support high academic results.

Charter public schools have a proven track record; studies consistently find that charter public school students read, write, do math and science, and develop critical thinking skills faster and at higher levels than their peers in district schools. Charters are a critical component of the formula that has given Massachusetts the top-performing public schools in the country.

fact #4: Charter public schools are held to the highest accountability standards.

Charter public schools are accountable for the same things that an entire district is accountable for, but at the school level, including annual financial audits, and ELL, special education, and civil rights compliance. Charter public schools are also subject to additional accountability and transparency requirements that districts are not subject to such as annual reports and external site visits. Charter public schools face significant consequences for not meeting these stringent accountability requirements, including closure.