Skip to main content
California Department of Education Logo

Charter School Frequently Asked Questions

Responses to questions frequently asked about charter schools.

Responses to these frequently asked questions are advisory only. Charter schools and authorizing entities are encouraged to review the actual laws and regulations that provide the basis for these responses and consult with their own legal counsel regarding the application of any of these issues to a specific situation.

Section 1 - General Information
General information regarding charter schools.

Section 2 - Approval, Establishment, and Closure
Approval, establishment, and closure of a charter school.

Section 3 - Governance, Oversight, and Liability
Governance, oversight, and liability of a charter school.

Section 4 - General Compliance
General charter school compliance.

Section 5 - Staffing
Charter school staffing.

Section 6 - Testing and Accountability
Charter school testing and accountability.

Section 7 - Attendance Accounting and Instructional Time
Attendance accounting and instructional time.

Section 8 - Nonclassroom-Based Programs
Nonclassroom-based programs.

Section 9 - Funding and Apportionment
Charter school funding and apportionment.

Section 10 - Facilities
Charter school facility requirements.

Section 11 - Recent Legislation Impacting Charters
Recent legislation impacting charters including the following topics:

  • Independent Study and Charter School Renewals
  • Nonclassroom-Based Funding Determinations
  • California State Board of Education Appeals
  • Transparency and Conflict of Interest
  • Universal Prekindergarten and Charter Schools
  • Verified Data
  • Williams Monitoring and Charter Schools

Return to Charter Schools

Questions: Charter Schools Division | charters@cde.ca.gov | 916-322-6029 
Last Reviewed: Thursday, June 29, 2023
Related Content
  • Charter Schools in California
    This content is part of California Department of Education's information and media guide about education in the State of California. For similar information on other topics, visit the full CalEdFacts.
Recently Posted in Charter Schools