North Carolina charter schools are independently-operated public schools authorized by the State Board of Education.  They are publicly funded, with state and local tax dollars being their primary funding source, but are governed independent of the structure of the local school district.  As a public entity, charter schools cannot discriminate in admissions, associate with any religion or religious group, or charge-tuition. While there are a wide variety of charter schools, each school’s goals are to provide families with options in public education so parents can choose a school that best fits their children’s needs.

In addition the local school district to which families are assigned, there are additional alternative choices for families.

In addition, North Carolina offers the following program: North Carolina Opportunity Scholarship Program.