Charter schools are K-12 public schools that provide a choice for parents
and students within the public school system. 

Charter schools are:

K-12 public schools started by parents, teachers, and/or community members who apply to the Minnesota Department of Education for a "charter," which defines the school's specific mission and goals, and how these goals will be measured. Charter schools are accountable to their sponsors, parents and families, the state, and the public for achieving measurable results in student achievement and for implementing fiscally sound management. Sponsors of charter schools vary widely but are often charitable or service organizations, local school districts, or post-secondary institutions. Charter schools are extremely diverse in their focuses. From project-based high schools to arts-intensive schools to online learning and technology-focused schools, the missions of charter schools in Minnesota vary widely. Since charter schools are public schools, they are open to anyone, free of charge. If you are interested in finding out about a specific charter schools, please visit the Profiles of Minnesota Charter Schools.

• Operated independently from the school district in which they are located

• Incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization

• Funded primarily by state general education revenue with some funding in the first three years provided by the federal government

• Located in leased facilities, funded in large measure by the lease programs that provide per pupil funding to compensate for the fact that charter schools cannot own property, levy taxes, or issue bonds

• Open to all who apply, except if the school is over-subscribed, in which case a lottery is held for all of the students who applied before the enrollment deadline.  Once a student is enrolled, siblings are given preference in admission

• Free of charge

• Accountable for academic and non-academic outcomes

• Sponsored by a school district, an institution of higher learning, a nonprofit organization or a foundation

• Reviewed every three years by the sponsor to determine whether charter will be renewed

• Governed by a board of directors made up of parents, teachers, and community members elected by the school community

• Staffed by teachers who have appropriate state licensure