What Are Public Charter Schools?

Who Can Attend A Charter School In Mississippi?

Charter schools in Mississippi are public, tuition-free, and open to all students.

Eligibility:

Students must live in a district rated C, D, or F by the state.
Must be Mississippi residents.
No entrance exams or tuition required. If seats are limited, a public lottery is held.

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How Are Public Charter Schools Helping Families?

They give families access to more high-quality public school options—especially where traditional schools are not meeting their child's needs.

They help close opportunity gaps by welcoming all students regardless of zip code, qualifications, or household income.

They strengthen the entire public education system by encouraging innovation and helping improve student outcomes.

The Challenge

Only 10 charter schools operate in Mississippi, so many students lack this option. Families want more choices, and charter schools have proven results. Expanding access will help more students find schools that fit their needs.

10 Schools for an Entire State Isn’t Enough.

Charter schools are helping students succeed, but they’re available in just a handful of communities across Mississippi.

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Find Charter School Near You

Mississippi Counties with Operating Public Charter Schools (3)

Myth vs. Fact

Myth: Charter schools are private schools.

Myth: Charter schools in Mississippi aren’t truly public

Myth: Charter schools pick and choose the students they want.

Myth: Charter schools aren’t accountable to the public.

Myth: Charter schools avoid serving students with special needs or English learners

Myth: Charter schools in Mississippi underperform compared to traditional public schools

Fact: In 2023-24 school year, all but one of Mississippi’s charter schools outperformed equivalent schools in their local district. Moreover, Mississippi charter schools are helping close the achievement gap—particularly for students who were previously underserved. State data shows that students in charter schools are making meaningful academic gains in reading and math, especially in communities where traditional outcomes have historically been low.

Myth: Charter school teachers don’t have to be certified

How do Public Charter School Lotteries Work in Mississippi?

What to know about enrollment, selection, and waitlists for Mississippi’s public charter schools

Charter schools in Mississippi are public and tuition-free, open to all students within designated zones—no entrance exams required.

A lottery is held if applications exceed available seats, using a fair, random process outlined in each school’s admissions policy.

Priority groups (like siblings or staff children) may be placed first, but all other applicants are selected randomly.

Students not selected in the lottery are placed on a waitlist, which is used to fill open spots throughout the year.

Waitlists don’t roll over, so families must reapply each year if their child isn't admitted.

Every student in Mississippi deserves the tools to shape their own future.