We previously posted about WCPSS Magnet schools, but in our area you also have the option of applying to independently-owned charter schools. You may be wondering, what exactly is a charter school? What’s the difference between charters and magnets?

What are Charter Schools?

Charter schools are tuition-free public schools that operate independently of the public school board (unlike magnets). They have the freedom to create their own approach to budgeting, staffing, and curriculum. However, since they are funded by tax-payer money they still have to follow most of the same state-mandated rules (classroom size is not one of these rules so typically charter school class sizes are higher).

Non-Profit or For Profit Schools?

For efficiency, some schools to choose to be managed by a separate business management company to support their operations. Others choose to be free-standing and independent with their own board of directors.

Admissions Process

Charter School admission is determined by a random lottery. There is no priority based on socioeconomic status like in Magnet schools. However, charter schools usually do give priority to enrolled children’s siblings and children of staff, but that is not guaranteed.

Anyone in the state of North Carolina can attend any charter school if they apply and are accepted. You are not bounded by county lines.

Triangle Charter Schools

We have a number of different charter schools in the Triangle. Most are managed by third parties and a few are independent. Grade levels vary, but most are K-8. From the schools I have toured, most do not provide transportation so the parent must do the carpool line.

Use our map below to find a school near you! Click on each school to view more information. Click on the square icon in the top right corner to view the schools in list format. Since most of our Raleigh Tot Spots Readers are going into Kindergarten, we have color-coded schools with a Kindergarten program in pink.

A federal mandate was lifted a couple years ago, so lots more charter schools are coming to our area. Let us know if we missed one!