About: Charter schools in the United States

Charter schools in the United States are primary or secondary education institutions that are funded through taxation and operated by private organizations, rather than local school districts. They do not charge tuition, as they are funded with public tax dollars. Charter schools are subject to fewer rules than traditional state schools. Proponents argue that they are meant to serve underserved communities that wish to have alternatives to their neighborhood school. There are both non-profit and for-profit charter schools, and only non-profit charters can receive donations from private sources. However, there are several ways that non-profit charters can profit.