Charter schools are independently run schools created with the intention to improve public education, demonstrate a record of student achievement, and have specific educational missions and focuses. Charter schools are publicly funded, tuition-free, and are NOT private schools. Charter schools are authorized to operate as public schools by the Utah State Office of Education and are open to all students. Similar to other public schools, charter schools may serve students from Kindergarten through to 12th grade.
The Charter Application establishes a specific program for each charter school with the Utah State Board of Education.
Charter schools allow educators freedom to try new strategies to inspire students and to experiment with innovative ways of educating students, such as by integrating the four art disciplines.