What is a Charter School?
Charter schools are public schools of choice that offer families an alternative to traditional district schools. Like other public schools, charter schools are tuition-free, open to all students, and funded with public dollars.
What makes them different is that they operate under a “charter” — a performance contract with the state or a local school district. This charter gives the school greater flexibility in how it designs its academic program, teaching methods, and school culture. In exchange, the school is held to high standards of student achievement, accountability, and financial responsibility.
Key Features of Charter Schools:
- Open Enrollment – Any student can apply, and no entrance exams or tuition are required.
- Accountability – Schools must meet the goals outlined in their charter or risk closure.
- Flexibility – Teachers and school leaders have more freedom to innovate in curriculum, scheduling, and instructional practices.
- Community Focus – Many charter schools are founded to meet the unique needs of their community.
Why Parents Choose Charter Schools
Families often choose charter schools because they value a learning environment that emphasizes:
- Smaller school communities
- Specialized programs or teaching approaches
- Stronger connections between teachers, students, and families
- Higher expectations for both academics and character development
Harbour Pointe Charter Academy
At Harbour Pointe, we are proud to be part of the public charter school movement. Our commitment is to provide educational excellence, character development, and meaningful opportunities for every student—preparing them to thrive in high school, college, and beyond.