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What is a charter school?
The complete explainer: how the charter contract works, who authorizes and closes schools, how lotteries and funding work, and how charters compare with district, magnet and private schools.
Read the guideResearch and practical help
Charter school guides
Start with the explainer, then use the guides alongside the directory to build a shortlist, understand admissions, and check everything that matters with the school itself.
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Understanding charter schools
Charter schools vs public schools
What actually differs between a charter and a traditional district school — admissions, governance, funding, transport and size.
Read guideAre charter schools free?
No tuition, ever. What families still pay for, how meals work, and why transport is the real cost.
Read guideCharter school terms explained
Authorizer, renewal, CMO, weighted lottery, backfill, cap — the vocabulary on school websites, in plain English.
Read guideGetting a place
How the lottery and waitlist work
Application windows, weighted preferences, lottery day, waitlist movement, and the five mistakes that cost families a seat.
Read guideHow to apply in Houston
A step-by-step walkthrough of Texas applications, deadlines and lotteries, with the official state resources.
Read guideComparing Houston charter schools
Use official data and a clear checklist to build a Houston shortlist that fits your student.
Read guideHouston schools by grade level
Elementary, middle and high options without overlooking grade spans or school format.
Read guideData and formats
How many charter schools are in each state?
Counts, enrolment, median size and staffing ratio for every state, and why the numbers differ so sharply.
Read guideOnline and cyber charter schools
Fully virtual, hybrid and supplemental programmes — who they suit, what the research says, and ten questions to ask.
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