Key Characteristics of Charter Schools Charter schools operate independently of local school districts. They have greater flexibility than traditional public schools in curriculum, schedule, teacher hiring and development, allocation of resources, and other areas. Like traditional public schools, charter schools are subject to health, safety, and other state and federal regulations. In many states, like New York, charter schools must submit detailed annual reports to their authorizers, including financial audits and budgets, enrollment, attendance, demographic, and facilities. Public charter schools have several unique features that set them apart from traditional public schools. Charter schools often have increased autonomy in decision-making that can include curriculum choice, staffing, and teaching methods. Charter schools may serve their students better because they can innovate and make decisions that best serve children. For example, they may change the school day or school year...
