Charter schools are public schools. They were created as part of the Education Reform movement of the nineties in Massachusetts. The primary mission of every charter school is to provide choice to parents

Do the standards that apply to other public schools apply to charters?
All charter schools are held to the same standards as public schools in assuring the health and safety of students, furnishing necessary support to meet the needs of special education students, and in testing their students using the state's comprehensive assessment system (MCAS).

Who may enroll in charter schools?
Charter schools are public schools and, as such, are open to all students to whom other Massachusetts public schools are open. Enrollment is by lottery. Charter schools may not discriminate in admission.

Do charter schools serve children with special needs?
Charter schools may not discriminate on the basis of students' special needs and must comply with the same state and federal laws regarding the provision of special education services, as do all public schools.

Do teachers at charter schools need to be certified or pass the Massachusetts' teacher test?
All charter schoolteachers must either be certified or pass the MA educator test.

Do charter schools take money from public schools?
Charter schools are public schools. When a child leaves for a charter school the money follows that child.

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