Reply #14: From my state Dept. of Ed. website:

[femmocrat]

"What is a Charter School?

Charter Schools are self-managed public schools that are approved by local school districts. Cyber charter schools are approved by the PA Department of Education. They are created and controlled by parents, teachers, community leaders, and colleges or universities. Charter schools operate free from many educational mandates, except for those concerning nondiscrimination, health and safety and accountability. Charter Schools offer alternatives in education using strategies that may save money and improve student performance."

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/charter_schools/7356

You can check your own state's regs if you are interested. I added the bold highlight.