The Connecticut Charter Schools Network

Welcome - The Connecticut Charter Schools Network

Connecticut Charter schools are public schools operating with a contract, or charter, from the Connecticut State Board of Education. Charter schools are created by groups of parents, teachers, school administrators, or others who want to provide alternatives within the public school system. Charter schools are public schools that are free, open to all, and designed to be publicly accountable and responsive to both student and parent needs. Charter schools must be non-sectarian and abide by the civil rights, health and safety laws. The schools must also meet standards set forth in their charters for students and the school as a whole, or the chartering agency can close the school.

*US Department of Education press release, August 1999.

Since the first charter schools opened in Connecticut in 1997, the charter school movement has grown to 16 schools operating statewide, serving close to 2000 students.

Charter schools are currently located in Bridgeport, Fairfield, Hamden, Hartford, Manchester, New Haven, New London, Norwich, South Norwalk, Stamford, Waterbury, and Winsted, serving students from those districts and many neighboring communities.