What distinguishes a charter school?

A charter school is distinguished primarily by its status as an independently operated public school. This means that while it is publicly funded and does not charge tuition, it is granted a charter or contract by a state or local authority that provides it with the autonomy to operate independently from the traditional public school system. This autonomy allows charter schools to establish their own curricula, teaching methods, and school policies, often with the goal of fostering innovation and educational improvement.

The ability to operate independently is significant because it provides charter schools with the flexibility to adapt to the needs of their students and community. They are still accountable to the public, often through performance-based contracts, which require them to meet specific educational outcomes and standards.

The other options describe characteristics that do not accurately reflect the nature of charter schools. While charter schools may be run by private organizations, this is not a defining feature; their primary distinction lies in being publicly funded. Additionally, charter schools must adhere to certain state educational standards, even if they have some flexibility in how they achieve those standards. Finally, access to charter schools is not limited to low-income students—many charter schools serve a diverse population from various socioeconomic backgrounds.