They may be sectarian or nonsectarian. Each state's legislation specifically defines who can apply for a charter. The most restrictive legislation allows only the local district's school board to apply. Each state's legislation includes applications consisting of goals and mission, curriculum and instructional objectives, governance information, assessment and evaluation procedures and goals, and fiscal management information. An appeal process also is specified.
Students apply for admission and are accepted until the school is full.
In some instances, lotteries or other such means are used to determine which students are accepted. Many schools have waiting lists. Some states allow only certified teachers. Some states also allow noncertified teachers with certain specified credentials, such as experience and a Bachelor's degree. There are currently 36 states and the District of Columbia with charter legislation.