In a charter school, each student, parent and teacher chooses to be there. The degree of autonomy to be exercised by the charter school on such issues as personnel, curriculum and facilities is negotiated between the charter applicants and the local school district and reflected in the charter. School-centered governance, autonomy, and a clear design for how and what students will learn are the essential characteristics of a charter school. Under Colorado law, a charter school is not a separate legal entity independent of the school district, but rather is a public school defined uniquely by a charter and partially autonomous while remaining within the school district. The approved charter application and accompanying agreements are the charter which serve as a contract between the charter school and the local board of education.
Charter schools are a means of expanding choices in Colorado public schools.
The charter process provides an avenue for educators, citizens, businesses, communities and parents to direct their innovative efforts. Charter schools offer teachers a chance to be part of designing and working in semi-autonomous, creative schools under defined philosophical approaches. A number of the stated purposes of the Colorado Charter Schools Act have already come into fruition. Specifically, charter schools in Colorado have increased the number of public school choices available for parents, students, and teachers. Many districts are now viewing charter schools, and in a broader sense, all schools of choice as a key tool to implementing Colorado's Standards Based Education initiative.