The power of choice is significant as it encourages a sense of ownership and participation in the work of the school. For each child a Commonwealth charter school enrolls, it receives a sum from the state equal to the average cost per student in the school district in which the child resides. The state then deducts the same amount from the sending district s state aid account. Like other public schools, Commonwealth charter schools are eligible to receive federal and state program funds. Unlike other public schools, charter schools do not receive funds for capital expenses or facilities.
Charter schools are public schools.
Enrollment is by lottery. Families apply to the school, a lottery is drawn to determine admission and those not drawn are put on a waiting list in order of the date of their application. State law prohibits a charter school from discriminating in its enrollment process. There is no limit on the number of schools that can be established in a given city or town, however there is a limit on how much of a school district s budget can go to Commonwealth charter schools. A public school that operates independently of any school committee Under a five year charter granted by the Board of education.