Charter Schools in Colorado DRAFT - Colorado Department of Education

Charter schools in Colorado are tuition-free, public schools of choice that serve students across the state. They operate with increased flexibility in exchange for accountability to agreed-upon performance goals and a clearly defined educational model. Charter schools are part of Colorado’s public education system and are designed to expand high-quality options for families and communities.

Families, school leaders, districts, and researchers often need different information about charter schools. Use the sections below to find guidance and resources tailored to your role.

Families & Caregivers

Learn how charter schools work, compare school options, and find enrollment information.

Learn About Charter School Options

School Districts & Authorizers

Guidance on charter authorization, oversight responsibilities, compliance, and funding programs.

Authorizer Guidance and Requirements

Charter School Leaders

Resources for starting, operating, funding, and maintaining compliance for charter schools.

Operating and supporting your charter school

Researchers & Advocates

Access statewide charter data, reports, and research resources.

Charter School Data and Research

Understanding Charter Schools
Statewide Charter Information and Resources

Understanding Charter Schools

What is a charter school?
- Charter schools are tuition-free public schools that have the flexibility to be innovative, entrepreneurial, self-governing, and yet are held accountable for student and operational performance.
- Open to all students, each of these independent public schools is different, increasing the variety of high-quality school choices available across Colorado.
- From core knowledge, classical and early college curriculums to Montessori, language immersion and more, charter schools allow families to select the school that best fits their child's unique learning style. In exchange for operational freedom and flexibility, charters are subject to higher levels of accountability.
How charter schools are authorized?
- Charter schools are approved and overseen by a charter authorizer, which is responsible for ensuring the school meets its legal, academic, and financial obligations.
- In Colorado, charter schools may be authorized by:
  - A local school district, or
  - The Colorado Charter School Institute (CSI), an independent statewide authorizer
- Authorizers review charter applications, monitor school performance, and make decisions about renewal, non-renewal, or closure based on the school’s performance and compliance with its charter contract.
Accountability & Oversight
- All charter schools in Colorado must:
  - Meet state and federal accountability standards
  - Administer statewide assessments
  - Follow all laws governing public schools, including nondiscrimination
  - Submit annual performance reports and financial audits
  - Meet renewal conditions based on academic and operational outcomes

Click Here for Frequently Asked Questions

Statewide Charter Information and Resources

Who we are: Charter School Office

The Colorado Department of Education’s Charter School Office strives to ensure high-quality public school choices for families by supporting charter schools, authorizers, and education partners across Colorado. We serve as a trusted partner to the charter school sector by providing reliable resources, timely and accurate information, quality assurance practices, and dedicated support. Our work is grounded in advancing innovative, inclusive, and equitable educational models that meet the diverse needs of Colorado students