Charter schools are public schools that operate independently from established, traditional school systems. They are accountable for student results and designed to deliver programs tailored to meet the needs of the communities they serve and the demands of parents for quality educational options for their children.

Charter schools are the fastest growing education reform movement in the country. Acting as a catalyst for the systemic improvement of all public schools through competition and choice, more than 3,600 charter schools serve over one million children in 40 states and the District of Columbia.

Based on the belief that America's public schools should meet high standards and be held accountable for their performance, parents choose these innovative public schools for the opportunities they offer, for the quality education they deliver and the educational excellence they achieve.