Meeting Minutes

Background on Charter Schools

Charter schools are public schools of choice. They are very popular—and among the fastest growing school choice option in Florida. Florida has the third highest number of charter schools in the nation.

Charter schools are, by definition, flexible and have the freedom to set their own rules on issues such as curriculum, teaching style, personnel, and discipline. Operated by parents, teachers, administrators, or concerned citizens, a charter school can offer a student-directed learning environment or alternative programs that meet the needs of students. Parents have more input and often share in the decision-making.

For parents and students, charter schools are selected primarily for educational reasons – high academic standards, limited class size, and a different approach to quality education. Charter schools receive funding from the state, just like other public schools, based upon the student attendance. Charter schools are tuition free and non-sectarian.