Massachusetts Charter Schools
Massachusetts charter schools are independently operated public schools within the Massachusetts public school system. They are public schools, tuition-free, and open to all students in the state. Charter schools operate under five-year state “charters” that grant them greater flexibility in curriculum, staffing, and school culture compared to traditional district schools.
Program Type: Free public schools with operational flexibility
Current Status: Massachusetts has 70+ charter schools serving approximately 43,000 students statewide
Tuition: $0 – Completely FREE. No tuition or fees. Charter schools are public schools funded by the state.
Who It Serves: All Massachusetts students – Charter schools are open to all state residents regardless of where you live. You do NOT need to live in the school’s district to apply.
How It Works:
- Families submit an application to the charter school of their choice
- If the school receives more applications than available seats, admission is determined by a random lottery
- No special entrance requirements or ability-based admissions
- Applications are available year-round with varying deadlines depending on the school
Key Differences from Traditional Public Schools:
- Greater Autonomy: Charter schools have more flexibility in curriculum design, teaching methods, and school operations
- Accountability: Held to the same state academic standards as district schools and must renew their charter every five years
- Specialized Focus: Some charter schools may have extended school days or specialized focuses (math/science, language immersion, arts, project-based learning, etc.)
- Open Enrollment: No entrance exams or selective admissions – all students have equal access through lottery
Academic Performance: Massachusetts charter school students consistently demonstrate strong academic achievement. Studies show charter school students in the state outperform comparable peers in reading, math, and science.
Application Timeline: Applications are accepted year-round with varying deadlines by school. Contact individual charter schools for specific application windows and lottery dates.
Waitlists: Most charter schools place applicants on a waitlist if not initially accepted. Spaces may open during summer if students decline offers. Your child may also be offered spots in other available charter schools.
Special Education: Charter schools are public schools and must comply with all federal and state special education laws. Students with IEPs are entitled to the same services as in traditional public schools.
Transportation: Policies vary by school. Some charter schools provide transportation; others do not. Check with individual schools about transportation availability.
Important Restriction: If your child attends a charter school, they must fully withdraw from their home district school. Students cannot attend both charter school and take classes at their home district school simultaneously.
Finding Charter Schools: Visit individual charter school websites or the Massachusetts Charter Public School Association at masscharterschools.org for a comprehensive list of charter schools statewide.