Charter schools are an alternative form of Philadelphia public schools, and therefore, are tuition-free and open to all children residing in the City of Philadelphia. Because charter schools are public, tuition-free schools, families cannot use Children's Scholarship Fund scholarships attend a charter school.

Charter schools have appointed, not elected, governing boards made up of parents, teachers, community leaders, and others that may have been involved in opening the school. Charter schools are public schools and must meet federal and state law requirements for all public schools.

In New York State, charter schools are tuition-free public schools that receive money from local, state, and federal funds. They are open to all students who are eligible for enrollment in traditional district schools, with a special emphasis on students who reside in a school's district of location.

Illinois law requires public charter schools to be funded at 97% to 103% of what local districts contribute in per-pupil funding to the education of district students.