Charter Public Schools
Charter public schools are public, free, and open to all students. They provide a flexible approach to learning — designed to meet the unique needs of each individual student.
-
Finance
Charter public schools operate with significant funding disparities, resulting in fewer funds to support students and teachers.
-
Charter 101
Rhode Island charter public schools are held to the highest oversight and accountability of any public school in the state.
-
Accountability
Charter public schools must meet all the same annual requirements as district public schools and are subject to additional requirements until district public schools.
-
Facilities
Charter public schools often help revitalize neighborhoods by turning vacant buildings into vibrant schools and community spaces.
Application Timeline
Applications Open:
November
Applications Close:
March
Lottery runs:
April 1
What Happens Next?
Lotteries Run — April 1: All charter public schools hold a blind, random lottery on April 1 to determine which students are offered available seats.
Offer Notifications: After the lottery, schools will contact families who receive offers. Families have 15 days to accept.
Waitlists Open — Mid-April: Students not selected in the lottery can apply to the school’s waitlist through their EnrollRI account. Schools continue to make offers from the waitlist as seats become available.