What are charter schools?

Charter schools are public schools that provide choices within the system for parents, students and teachers.

Charter schools …

• Operate independently as a public school and are a separate system from the school district in which they are located.
• Are open and free of charge to all that apply.
• Are accountable for academic and non-academic outcomes.
• Are staffed by teachers with appropriate licenses and qualifications.
• Are incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or as a teacher cooperative
• Are funded primarily by state educational revenue, with initial three-year funding provided in large part by the Federal government.
• Are sponsored by a school district, educational institution, foundation or non-profit organization, (LJA is sponsored by the Audubon Center of the Northwoods).
• Governed by a board of directors made up of parents, teachers, and community members elected by the school community.

Charter schools may focus on areas of study such as the arts, foreign languages, mathematics or science; on ethnic cultures and traditions; or on different learning modes or educational visions.

In 1991, Minnesota was the first state to pass charter school legislation. The very next year, the first charter school in the United States, City Academy, was founded in St. Paul. Laura Jeffrey Academy is the first girl-focused charter school in Minnesota. As of 2010-2011, there are 149 charter schools in the state with approximately 35,000 students enrolled.