A charter school is a publicly funded school that operates independently from the traditional district school system under a performance contract or "charter." Charter schools receive public per-pupil funding but have greater autonomy over curriculum, hiring, budget allocation, and operational decisions compared to traditional public schools. In exchange for this flexibility, charters are held accountable for meeting performance goals outlined in their charter; schools that fail to meet goals can have charters revoked and be forced to close.

Charter schools are tuition-free and open to all students through lottery systems if demand exceeds capacity. They vary widely in educational approach—some focus on college prep, others on arts or STEM, some use specific pedagogical models like Montessori or project-based learning. Charters can be standalone schools or part of charter management organizations (CMOs) operating multiple schools.

Approximately 3.7 million students attend roughly 7,800 charter schools nationwide, representing about 6.6% of public school students. Charter enrollment has grown steadily, making charters the only type of public school with increasing enrollment in recent years. However, charters also face unique challenges: competition for students in choice-rich environments, dependence on enrollment for funding, and accountability pressures that traditional schools don't experience.

For charter school leaders, enrollment and retention are critical operational priorities. Unlike district schools with geographic boundaries guaranteeing students, charters must attract and retain families who have options.