If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “Wait…what exactly is a charter school?”—you’re not alone. Even though charter schools have been around in Indiana for nearly 25 years, there’s still a lot of confusion out there. Some people think they’re private schools. Others believe they charge tuition or only accept certain kids. The truth? Charter schools are public schools—just like the neighborhood school down the street—but with a little more freedom to try new things.
Think of it this way: all public schools share the same mission—to give kids a great education at no cost to families. But just like no two kids are the same, no two schools have to be the same either. Charter schools were created so families could have more options within the public school system.
How do they work in practice?
Take Herron High School in Indianapolis, for example. Families love Herron for its classical liberal arts approach, where students dive deep into literature, history, and the arts. Over on the east side, Global Prep blends rigorous academics with dual-language learning, so kids graduate fluent in both English and Spanish. In South Bend, Paramount School of Excellence focuses on STEM, giving students hands-on science and tech experiences every day. These schools look different from each other—but they’re all public charter schools.
What is the difference between charter and traditional district?
So what’s the difference between a charter school and a traditional district school? The biggest one is flexibility. A charter school has the freedom to design its own learning model—whether that means smaller class sizes, a college-prep focus, or a curriculum centered on arts and technology. In return for that freedom, they agree to strict accountability. If a charter school isn’t working for students, it can be closed. That level of “perform or close” accountability doesn’t exist for most schools.
Families choose charter schools for all sorts of reasons. Sometimes it’s because their child thrives in a smaller, close-knit environment. Sometimes it’s because they want a specific program, like advanced math or a bilingual curriculum. And sometimes it’s just about finding a place where their child feels known, challenged, and supported.
One common myth is that charter schools are private or selective. They’re not. They don’t charge tuition, and they don’t get to “pick and choose” students. Enrollment is open to all. If too many families want to attend, schools hold a public lottery to keep it fair.
Why choose a charter?
At the end of the day, the question isn’t whether a school is “charter” or “district.” It’s whether that school helps a child grow, feel safe, and be excited about learning. Charter schools are simply one more way Indiana families can find that right fit—without leaving the public school system.
Because kids only get one chance at their education. And every child deserves a school where they can thrive.
