Charter schools are independent public schools that are free to innovate and are held accountable for student performance. They are publicly funded, tuition free, and nonsectarian. Like traditional public schools, they are open to all DC residents and receive public funds according to how many students enrolled. A public charter school exercises exclusive control over its expenditures, administration, personnel, and instructional methods. (Taken from http://www.dcpcsb.org/)

Public charter schools can differ from traditional schools in several ways:
1. Public charter schools are governed by a non-profit Board of Trustees
2. The school leaders are able to select its own curricula and teaching methods; as well as, enter into its own contracts (i.e. staff, services)
3. In DC, charter schools may be exempt from DCPS rules
4. Charter schools typically have greater financial control at the school level

In DC, funding comes directly from the DC government through the Uniform Per Student Funding Formula. There is a per-student allowance from the DC government for facilities and private donations from community members and corporations.

As of March 2021, there are 128 public charter schools in Washington, DC, operated by 66 nonprofits.

DC public charter schools serve 46% of all public school children in Washington, DC.

All public charter schools are free to students who are DC residents.

District of Columbia Public Charter School Board: http://www.dcpcsb.org.