What is a Charter School?

Charter schools are public schools of choice. They are very popular - the fastest growing school choice option.

Charter schools are, by definition, flexible and have freedom to set their own rules on such issues as curriculum, teaching style, personnel, and discipline. Operated by parents, teachers, administrators and concerned citizens, a charter school can offer a student-directed learning environment or alternative programs that meet the needs of students.

Funding for charter schools comes from the state, with a portion of the money allotted per student by the Florida Legislature, by district. This is called the FTE, or the Full Time Equivalent.  Charter schools offer students higher standards and a more "hands-on" environment for teaching and learning.

More information can be found at the following websites:

• Charter School information is located at:
  http://www.firn.edu/doe/choice/charter.html
• Florida Charter School Resource Center is located at:
  http://ari.coedu.usf.edu/fcsrc/schools.htm
  Princeton House Charter School  is in the Orange district.
• The national site for Charter Schools is located at:
  http://www.uscharterschools.org
• USA Charter Schools is located at:
  http://www.charterschoolsusa.com
• Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD)
  - University of Central Florida is at:
  http://www.ucf-card.org