Charter schools are public schools of choice operated by independent non-profit boards of directors. Charter schools operate under a charter which must be authorized by the state and which grants greater flexibility than traditional public district schools in areas such as curriculum, programming, and staffing. State and local tax dollars are the primary funding sources for charter schools. All North Carolina students eligible to attend public school in the state are eligible to apply for admission to charter schools. Charter schools cannot discriminate in admissions, cannot be religiously affiliated, and must conduct lotteries for admission when demand exceeds available seats. While charter schools operate with additional flexibility and freedom from regulations, they are accountable through the state assessment and accountability system. (https://www.dpi.nc.gov/)
Below are data sets from accountability reporting which can be used to assist in research of North Carolina accountability reporting and testing measures at the school and/or district level.
