What is a charter school?
In Hawaii, charter schools are public schools, funded on a "per pupil" allocation separate from the Department of Education.  They are state-legislated, legally independent, innovative, outcome-based public schools operating under contract (charter) with the Charter School Review Panel (CSRP).

Do charter schools charge tuition?
No.  Charter schools are public schools and therefore cannot charge tuition.

How are charter schools different than traditional DOE schools?
Charter schools operate on three basic principles:

• Choice: Charter schools give families the opportunity to choose the school most suitable for their children's educational well being.  Teachers choose to create and work at schools where they directly shape the best working and learning environment for their students and themselves.
• Accountability: Charter schools are judged on how well they meet the student achievement goals established by their charter contract.  However, because charter schools are schools of choice, the highest measure of accountability is student enrollment - if students and their families are unhappy, they can and will leave.
• Freedom: While charter schools must adhere to the same major laws and regulations as all other public schools (No Child Left Behind and the state's Content and Performance Standards), they have flexibility with curriculum and direct management of energy and resources, allowing them to be innovative.

How can I apply to have my child attend a charter school?
Contact the school that you are interested in directly.  If you are unsure what schools are in your area or which school would be best for your child, use our map and directory of schools to find the locations, and contact the schools directly to find out what their programs offer.

How can I apply to work at a charter school?
Each charter school does its own hiring.  It is best to contact the schools that you are interested in working at directly using our directory of schools.  Also, many schools post their job openings in the employment opportunities section.

How do I start a charter school?
If you are interested in starting a charter school, you must apply as a start-up charter school. The CSRP has a Start-up Charter School Detailed Implementation Plan (DIP) Application that must be completed. If you are interested in converting a current Department of Education school into a charter school, the Conversion Charter School DIP Application needs to be completed. The CSRP will review all applications. Only those whose applications are approved by the CSRP become charter schools.
 

Does the Charter School Administrative Office oversee the charter schools?
No.  The CSAO operates primarily as a resource, advocacy, and liaison office for Hawaii's charter schools and is responsible for the allocations of state and federal funds.

Who oversees the charter schools?
Each charter school has its own individual governing body called a Local School Board.  The CSRP is the authorizer and has the ability to deny, approve, review, or revoke charters.  The CSRP is accountable to the Board of Education.

What do I do if I have a complaint about a charter school or someone in a charter school?
First, the principal of the school in question should be contacted and preferably met with.  If you would like to take the issue further because you feel that it is still unresolved, contact the school's Local School Board (LSB).  Each school should have its LSB's contact information available.  If you need further assistance from the CSAO with a complaint, submit your complaint using our complaint form.

What does it mean if a charter school is/is not accredited?
Accreditation means a number of things, and a detailed explanation can be found in the Accreditation section.  While accreditation is encouraged, charter schools can still offer viable educational programs without it.  Also, contrary to popular misconceptions, diplomas received from non-accredited public schools, including charter schools, are still valid diplomas.