Charter schools are public schools that are run by independent bodies and funded by the public. Charter schools have been around since the charter law was passed by states in 1990. Forty states and the District of Columbia have passed charter school legislation laws. Nowadays, almost 4,600 charter schools exist with over 1.4 million children across 40 states attending. Charter schools are backed by a state board of education, a state university, community college or local school district.

Due to their voluntary student enrollment process, they are more accountable for student successes or failures. Charter schools set higher standards than public or private schools, since they their performance rates must be on par with public schools, if not higher. If the standard of student achievement at charter schools falls behind public school rates then the charter is assessed and the school faces closure.

Charter schools are non-sectarian, non-religious and cannot discriminate in student admissions, regardless of their neighborhood, socioeconomic status, academic achievement, or ethnicity. Charter schools do not test students who apply for admission, nor do they set tuition fees. Enrollment is based on the number of places available.

Why charter schools then? Parents and students see them as an alternative to public and private schools, since they provide a unique focus, environment, curriculum, class size, and structure. They give the opportunity for new ideas and education dreams to take place. Charter schools concentrate on student needs and enlist the support of local businesses to help offer resources to the school and its students and families. Just some of the unique features charter schools offer includes developing basic skills, serving the community, incorporating the arts in the curriculum, and using particular cultural methods towards school work.