“Charter schools offer a wide variety of school models, such as STEM-focused, arts education, environment-focused, Montessori, classical, culturally affirming, and college- or career-prep schools. By operating independently of school districts, charter schools can set their own curriculum, hire their own teachers, determine their own school calendar, and adapt to the needs of their students without having to run every decision through a school district bureaucracy. Nevertheless, charter schools are also required to meet the same academic testing requirements as other public schools and adhere to all civil rights laws.” – National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, October 4, 2022