Within the space of only a decade, charter schools have evolved from an abstract, theoretical design for school improvement to a widespread web of unique individual schools. A web of roughly 2000 small, focused, public schools, each intentionally unique in mission, yet remarkably similar to each other in mutual commitment among its students, parents, and educators. Although a nationwide phenomenon, charter schools are inherently local creations, born within the legislative parameters of their respective state governments. Charter schools are a testimony to the resilience and responsiveness of the American system of government as well as a tangible indicator of our growing recognition of the use of market forces and incentives in providing public services such as schooling.

This publication provides an easily accessible guide to  to charter schooling in California for the vast majority of people who are not charter school specialists but are concerned about the quality and effectiveness of our public schools. The California Charter School Story distills the principles behind charter schooling, its state and national history, funding, accountability mechanisms, founders, missions, students served, plus the obstacles and roadblocks to developing charter schools.