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Charter Schools are tuition-free public schools which operate under a performance contract or "charter" agreement between a governing board and the local public school board. Charters are independent public schools of choice that hire their own teachers, design their own academic programs, and control their own finances. They have more flexibility to innovate and provide a unique curriculum, while remaining accountable for advancing student achievement. Orange County currently has 41 charter schools.  

For additional information, call the Charter School Dept. at 407-317-3484.

Pursuant to Section 1002.33, Florida Statute charter schools shall:

  • Improve student learning and academic achievement;
  • Increase learning opportunities for all students, with special emphasis on low-performing students;
  • Encourage the use of innovative learning outcomes; and
  • Require the measurement of learning outcomes.

Charter schools may:

  • Create innovative measurement tools;
  • Provide rigorous competition within the public school district to stimulate continual improvement in all public schools;
  • Expand the capacity of the public school system;
  • Mitigate the educational impact created by the development of new residential dwelling units; and
  • Create new professional opportunities for teachers, including ownership of the learning program at the school site.