Philadelphia’s Charter Schools Are Public, Free, and Open to All Students.
What is a public charter school?
A charter school is a public school that is free and open to all students. Public charter schools expand public school options within Philadelphia’s education system.
Public charter schools receive public funding and are overseen by the School District of Philadelphia.
Before a charter school can open, it must be approved by the District. Each charter school has an agreement with the District that outlines the school’s mission, academic program, goals, and how success will be measured.
Public charter... traditional district. What is the difference?
Both public charter schools and district schools are public schools that are free and open to students. Charter schools have more flexibility in how they design their programs, schedules, and staffing. This flexibility allows teachers to be creative in the classroom and adapt instruction to meet students’ needs. In return, charter schools must meet clear performance goals set in their agreement with the School District.
The District regularly reviews each charter school’s performance and decides whether the school can continue operating.
Who can attend a public charter school?
Public charter schools are public schools that are free and open to any Philadelphia student, regardless of neighborhood, background, or academic history. Like all public schools, charter schools must accept all students, including students with disabilities, English learners, and students with a wide range of learning styles.
In Philadelphia, charter schools serve a diverse student population. More than 80% of students enrolled in charter schools are Black or Latino, reflecting the communities the schools educate across the city.
View PCE Member Charter Schools
Why were public charter schools created?
Public charter schools were created in Philadelphia following the Pennsylvania state legislature's passage of the Charter School Law in 1997. Public charter schools were created to expand public school options for families and allow educators to design schools that offer more educational approaches in Philadelphia.
This has led to schools with distinctive programs, such as culturally responsive programs, college-preparatory models, dual-language schools, and career and technical pathways. Charter schools are one of the public school options available to families across the city.
View The Charter School Law
How do you enroll in a public charter school?
Families can apply to most charter schools through Apply Philly Charter, the citywide application system that allows families to apply to multiple schools using one application. Families can also review enrollment information and contact schools directly with questions. PCE offers a Parent Guide to Charter School Enrollment for more information.
Given high demand from families for more charter school seats, when more students apply than there are seats available, public charter schools must use a random, impartial, and transparent lottery process to determine admission.
PCE Charter School Enrollment Guide
Who oversees Philadelphia's public charter schools?
The School District of Philadelphia (SDP) oversees brick-and-mortar charter schools in the city. The District approves new charter schools and regularly reviews how existing schools are performing. Based on those reviews, the District decides whether charter schools can stay open, must make improvements, or should close. This oversight role is also known as “charter authorizing.”
Read Our CEO's Article on Authorizing
How are public charter schools held accountable?
Charter schools are regularly reviewed by the School District of Philadelphia to ensure they are meeting academic, financial, and operational expectations. They must also follow all state and federal laws that apply to public schools, including health, safety, civil rights, and financial regulations.
Public charter schools are governed by a volunteer board of directors and must follow Pennsylvania’s open meetings and public records laws, which help ensure transparency and public oversight. Schools that do not meet required standards may be required to improve, or they may be closed.
View the PSD Charter School Performance Framework
How are public charter schools funded?
Public charter schools are funded with public education dollars, just like other public schools. Funding follows students when they enroll in a charter school. The School District of Philadelphia provides funding for each student who attends a charter school.
Unlike district-run schools, charter schools do not receive some funding streams directly, including funding for school buildings. Because of this, many charter schools must use part of their classroom funding to cover building facilities.
Read More on Charter School Funding in Pennsylvania