Charter schools open doors for families.

More than 3.6 million students attend a charter school across the United States. Add your email below to learn more about how charter schools are changing public education in Wyoming.

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When given the choice, families choose charter schools.

What is a charter school?

Free. Public. Open to all.

Charter schools are tuition-free public schools that accept all students and families who choose to enroll in them. In many cases, they are founded by people within the community who want to create options for families whose children may need something different.

22 of the top 100 public high schools in America are charter schools.

US News and World Report, 2022 Rankings

What makes charter schools different?

Charter schools are built around students

Because every charter school is founded for a different reason, they are all unique. Some charter schools have science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) curriculum or an agricultural focus, others use a Montessori learning model or a college-prep focus, and some are dual credit—offering college credit while in high school, and still others provide career training.

Charter school students receive up to of 28 extra days of reading and 40 days of math compared to other public schools.

Are charter schools for my family?

Charter schools can educate anyone

Charter schools can serve children in any grade, from Pre-K to 12th, and some offer other programs like GED courses or classes for adults who didn’t have the opportunity to graduate high school earlier.

Charter schools have operated for over 30 years and in 46 states including the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico.

More Schools, More Options

Charter schools are working in Wyoming.

The story of Wyoming's charter schools is just beginning. Hear from students, parents, teachers, school leaders, and lawmakers about why Wyoming needs more charter schools.

Get educated about charter schools

Question 1 of 8

Does Wyoming have charter schools?

Charter schools in Wyoming are growing thanks to a new law.

There are currently a handful of charter schools across Wyoming, but more are coming soon. In 2021, the Wyoming state legislature passed a bill that will promote the growth of charter schools while increasing accountability and allowing charter schools' the autonomy they need to innovate and meet the needs of the families in their communities.

Read the new Wyoming charter school law here ›

Question 2 of 8

Do you have to pay to go to a public charter school?

No, charter schools are always tuition‑free, public schools.

Charter schools, like all public schools, are tuition-free. However, it is important to understand why students do not have to pay to receive a high-quality education at a charter school. As public schools, charter schools are publicly funded by local, state, and federal tax dollars similar to district—or traditional—schools. This funding ensures that charter schools are free, public, and open to all.

Learn more about tuition-free public charter schools ›

Question 3 of 8

What is a public charter school lottery?

When charter schools have more students who want to attend than the seats available, they use a lottery system to determine their enrollment.

The charter school must hold a random drawing process, either handling the applications manually, or using a computer program.

Learn more about charter school lotteries ›

Question 4 of 8

Are charter schools public schools?

Yes, charter schools are always independently‑operated, public schools that are open to all students.

Charter schools accept any student who applies to them, provided there is room. Charter schools are in high demand, so to play fair they have a lottery system that gives everyone an equal opportunity to get in. The best way to make sure all students have access to a high-quality public school that is right for them is to ensure that charter schools exist and are allowed to thrive.

Learn more about charter public schools ›

Question 5 of 8

Can anyone go to a charter school?

Yes, charter schools are open to all students.

They do not charge tuition or have admissions tests, making them accessible for all families. Like all public schools, anyone can go to a charter schools regardless of socio-economic background. In fact, charter schools serve a higher percentage of students from low-income backgrounds (56%) than district-run public schools (52%). Charter schools do not discriminate students based on their household incomes, race, gender, or academic backgrounds.

Learn more about charter school admissions ›

Question 6 of 8

Are charters schools for‑profit organizations?

No, but some of the confusion is about management organizations that some charter schools contract with.

While 62% of charter schools are managed independently—meaning they are a single‑site school and manage all their own operations—29% of schools are managed by nonprofit management organizations and 9% are run by organizations with a for-profit tax status. Arizona and California are the only states that allow a management organization to hold the actual charter and less than 5% of charter schools in those states operate that way.

Learn more about how charter schools are managed ›

Question 7 of 8

Can public charter schools deny students?

No, charter schools enroll students on a first-come, first-served basis and additional students are placed on a wait list.

Regardless of a family's household income, religion, or ethnicity, charter schools exist to provide all students with a local high-quality school option. When a student is attending a district school that isn't serving their needs, a charter school is often their only shot at attending a high-performing school and gaining access to opportunities that come only through an excellent education. For many families, private schooling isn't affordable or accessible. Instead, charter schools can provide children with a tuition-free, high-quality school option.

Learn more about charter school admissions ›

Question 8 of 8

Do public charter school students have to take the same state tests as other public schools?

Yes, Wyoming charter schools are subject to the same state academic standards and testing requirements.

The federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 requires all students in a state to be assessed annually in reading in math and once in high school. It also requires states to have a single state-wide accountability system for all of its public schools, including charter schools. Charter schools have to meet state accountability requirements, as well as the requirements in its charter agreement.

Learn more about charter school testing ›

Can charter schools work outside of cities?

Charter schools work in communities everywhere.

Though much attention is placed on charter schools in urban settings, they aren't the only places where public charter schools can offer students a high-quality education. Take a look at how rural charter schools are effectively meeting the needs of the students in their communities.