What is a charter school?
Charter schools commit to meeting the specific academic, financial, and operational performance goals outlined in their charter contract and state and federal law but have flexibility in determining how to achieve those goals.
Charter public schools, just like traditional public schools, are tuition-free and open to all students. They receive state funding based on a formula that considers the number of children enrolled in the school.
What is a charter authorizer?
A charter authorizer is an entity designated by the state that is responsible for overseeing charter schools. In Colorado, authorizers include the state’s Charter School Institute as well as most school districts. Charter authorizers are responsible for 1) Setting and monitoring performance expectations. This includes setting transparent and rigorous performance expectations for academics, finance, and operations and monitoring school progress against these expectations, and 2) Reviewing and acting upon charter applications. This includes approving or denying new charter school applications as well as expansion, replication, renewal, and transfer applications for existing charter schools. Learn more about Colorado’s charter school authorizer context and CSI.
There’s a charter school in my neighborhood, but it’s not listed on this CSI website. Why?
A charter school is proposing to locate in my community. How do I get involved?
To whom is a charter school responsible?
A charter school is accountable to the families in the school, the local school district or Charter School Institute, and the state. The charter school authorizer sponsors the charter school and, through a contract, has outlined certain provisions the charter school is responsible to fulfill. More details about the various ways a charter school is held accountable can be accessed here.
Where can I find out how the schools in my community are performing?
Where can I find more information on Special Education, Gifted Education, and English Language Learners?
Please review our Special Education FAQs, Gifted Education FAQs, and English Language Learners FAQs. If you have further questions, call 303-866-3299 or email CSI_info@csi.state.co.us.