Mississippi Charter Schools

Mississippi charter schools are independent public schools that operate free from some traditional school district regulations while remaining tuition-free and funded by taxpayers. They offer an alternative public school option with greater curricular flexibility and operational autonomy.

Program Type: Free public schools with operational flexibility

Tuition: $0 – Completely FREE. Charter schools are tuition-free public schools funded by taxpayers.

Current Status:

• 10 charter schools currently operating in Mississippi
• 2 additional charter schools approved to open: Archway Charter School (August 2026) and Mississippi Global Academy (2025)
• Charter school expansions approved: Clarksdale Collegiate Prep (ninth grade opening Fall 2025) and Ambition Preparatory Charter School (ninth grade opening July 2027)

Who Can Attend:

• Open to all students living in the district where the charter school is located
• Students from C, D, or F-rated school districts may cross district lines to attend charter schools
• Students in higher-performing districts may be restricted to charter schools in their own district

Enrollment Model:

• If more students apply than available spaces, schools use lottery systems for selection
• Priority in lottery: Returning students and siblings of current students
• Some charter schools may prioritize enrollment for students with specific disabilities if the school’s mission is to serve students with those needs
• Must maintain enrollment that reflects the economic and demographic composition of the district (minimum 80%)

How Charter Schools Differ from Traditional Public Schools:

1. Curricular Flexibility: Charter schools can design specialized curricula around themes such as:

• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)
• Arts integration
• Early college programs
• Project-based learning
• Career and technical education
• Classical education

2. Operational Autonomy: Charter schools have greater freedom from traditional regulations, allowing for:

• Innovative teaching approaches
• Flexible school structures and schedules
• Unique school cultures and educational models

Governance: Overseen by independent boards accountable to the Mississippi Charter School Authorizer Board, not local school districts

Where Charter Schools Can Open:

• May open without school district approval in D and F-rated school districts
• May open in C-rated school districts (through at least 2026, pending state accountability model changes)
• May open in A, B, and C-rated districts with local school board approval

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.

Optional Fees: While tuition is free, some charter schools may charge optional fees for certain programs, field trips, or activities. Contact your local charter school directly about any potential fees.

Application Process: Contact individual charter schools directly for application procedures and deadlines. If demand exceeds capacity, admission is determined by lottery.

Mississippi Charter School Authorizer Board →

Mississippi Charter School Authorizer Board – List of Schools →