The charter school concept is an organization model. The focus is on how the school is organized, governed, and managed. Instructional strategies will vary from one charter school to the next. The magnet, or theme, school is an instructional model. The focus is on the instructional strategy implemented at the school, for example, a focus on technology or performing arts.
Some magnet schools have admission criteria.
The Charter Schools Act of 1998 provides that existing local schools, private individuals, private organizations, and state and local public entities may organize a charter public school subject to an academic or vocational performance-based contract approved by both the state and local boards of education. Charter school are public schools. The Georgia Charter Schools Act of 1998 states that a charter school shall be included in the allotment of funds to the local school system in which the charter school is located. The local board and state board shall treat the charter school no less favorable than other local schools in the school district with respect to the provision of funds for instructional and administrative programs and, where feasible, transportation and building programs. The amount of money the charter school will receive from the local board will be determined through negotiations of the charter contract.