Charter schools are public schools that are independent of school districts through contracts with state or local boards.
​The basic concept of charter schools is that they exercise increased autonomy in return for greater accountability. Like public schools, charter schools are open to all children, do not require entrance exams, cannot charge tuition, and must participate in state testing and federal accountability programs. The schools draw up their own “charter” which is a set of rules and performance standards that they are held accountable to.