School Options/Programs

Charter Schools

Charter schools are public schools that are created by a group of parents, teachers, or community leaders.  Charter schools are governed by a charter or contract with the government rather than being operated by a school district.  In this way, charter schools have more freedom than the traditional public school to innovate while being held accountable to the obligations and performance standards in their governing charter. 

Since charter schools have no geographical boundaries, they must be responsive to the families they serve or risk losing them.  In the 2008-09 school year, 67 charter schools will be in operation in Utah with more opening each year.

COSTS
Charter schools are public schools and do not charge tuition.  Like all public schools, Charter Schools are funded by tax dollars.

TEACHERS
Charter schools employ certified teachers, and make decisions locally about who to hire and how much to pay their employees. Starting in fall 2010, all charter schools must be accredited.  Currently in Utah, only public schools that grant high school credit are required to be accredited.  Learn more about school accreditation>>

WHO IS ELIGIBLE
All school-aged children, grades K through 12.  Some of these schools have a special focus such as performing arts or science. All charter schools are focused on the academic achievement of their students.  Because charter schools are public schools they must accept all students as long as there is space. 

HOW TO ENROLL
To enroll in a charter school parents must fill out an application for enrollment at their preferred school by the enrollment deadline. To find out when the deadlines are, please contact the school or visit their website (See a list of charter school contact info>>). 

Often, there are more applicants than spots.  In these cases, applicants enter a lottery and are chosen at random. Preference is given to current students as well as siblings of current students. Each year, more charter schools open their doors to students and more seats become available.

New Charter Schools Opening Soon

Did You Know?

• There are over 4,500 charter schools in the U.S. serving more than 1.3 million students.¹
• Charter Schools spend less—about $7,625 per student, compared with $9,138 in public schools.¹
• Charter schools are one-third smaller than conventional public schools, with about 348 students, compared with 521.¹
• The majority of charter school students are classified as minority (52%), at risk (50%) or low income (54%).¹
• Charter schools make up 14% of the top-performing public schools nationwide despite accounting for only 5% public schools.²
• Charter schools are the only public schools in Utah that will be accredited in grades K through 8.³ Currently in Utah, only public schools that grant high school credit are required to be accredited.  Learn more about school accreditation>>

For More Info

• View a complete list of Charter Schools>>
  • View a map of charter schools>> Click on a county to zoom in on it
    
• Utah Association of Public Charter Schools>>

• School Contact Info & Statistics>> 
• My School's Performance>>
• Per-Pupil Funding Report by Utah Taxpayers Association>>

NEWS

• Charter-school applicants face budget cuts, new timelines>> Deseret News - June 28, 2009
  
• 7 charter schools hope for approval>> Deseret News - June 28, 2009
  
• Ogden prep academy is honored as best in '09>> Deseret News - June 28, 2009
  
• Ogden academy wins charter school award>> Salt Lake Tribune - June 22, 2009
• Specialized charter school gives new hope to students>> KSL - June 16, 2009
• Charter schools vote to be accredited>> Deseret News - May 14, 2009
• Charter Schools Dominate National Honor Roll>> Heartland Institute - April 1, 2009
• Charter schools celebrate 10 years of educating Utahns>>  Deseret News - February 6, 2009

SOURCES

1. The Center for Education Reform>>
2. Charter Schools Dominate National Honor Roll>> Heartland Institute - April 1, 2009
3. Charter schools vote to be accredited>> Deseret News - May 14, 2009