A high quality education –
for all West Virginia students.

Charter schools are offering choice to parents looking for exceptional schools that are free, public, and open to all.

What are public charter schools? Here are the facts.

Charter schools are public schools that offer parents the opportunity to pick a school that best fits the needs of their child. Charter schools make decisions close to the students, empowering teachers to provide innovative, high-quality instruction and giving them the autonomy to design a classroom that fits their students’ needs.

Charter Schools Are FREE

There is never a cost to attend a charter school.

Charter Schools Are PUBLIC

Although public charter schools receive 25% less funding that other types of public schools, they are funded by public funds and thus are tuition free for students.Charter schools are also accountable to state and national educational standards.

Charter Schools Are OPEN TO ALL

Unlike other public schools, students do not have to live in a certain geographic area to attend a charter school.

The West Virginia Charter School Story

The journey to bring charter schools to West Virginia has been one of persistence and dedication. For many years, West Virginia was one of the few states without a pathway to establish charter schools, despite growing interest from parents, educators, and community leaders seeking more innovative, flexible education options for students. In 2019, after much debate, the West Virginia Legislature passed a law that made charter schools a reality. This historic decision allowed public, tuition-free charter schools to operate, providing families with new choices for their children’s education.

Since then, West Virginia has seen the establishment of seven charter schools, each designed to meet the unique needs of their communities. Each of these schools is dedicated to providing high-quality education tailored to the needs of their students.

The Mountaineer Charter School Alliance was founded to build on this momentum and advocate for the continued growth and success of charter schools across the state. Our mission is to ensure that every child in West Virginia has access to a public education that suits their individual needs, regardless of their zip code. We work with schools, policymakers, and communities to support the development of strong, accountable charter schools, and to advocate for the policies and resources necessary to help them thrive. Our goal is to ensure that charter schools remain an essential part of the educational landscape in West Virginia, providing families with the opportunity to choose the best educational path for their children.