Charter, private, and public schools each have distinct characteristics and differences in terms of their governance, funding, admission policies, curriculum, and accountability. Here are some key differences:

1. Governance and Funding:
   • Public Schools: Public schools are funded and operated by local, state, or federal government entities. They are governed by school districts or education departments and follow state regulations and curriculum standards.
   • Private Schools: Private schools are independently funded and managed. They operate as separate entities from the government and have more autonomy in setting their curriculum and policies. They may be for-profit or nonprofit institutions and often rely on tuition fees, donations, and endowments for funding.
   • Charter Schools: Charter schools are publicly funded but are independently operated. They have more flexibility than traditional public schools in terms of curriculum, teaching methods, and management. Charter schools are typically authorized by a government entity or school district and are held accountable to performance goals outlined in their charter.
2. Admission Policies:
   • Public Schools: Public schools are generally open to all students within a designated geographic area. They have an obligation to accept and provide education to all students, regardless of their abilities or backgrounds. However, some public schools may have enrollment caps or specific admission criteria for specialized programs.
   • Private Schools: Private schools have the freedom to set their admission policies. They can select students based on criteria such as academic performance, interviews, essays, or religious affiliation. Private schools are not obligated to accept all applicants and may have limited enrollment capacity.
   • Charter Schools: Charter schools are open to all students, but if the number of applicants exceeds the school’s capacity, they may conduct a lottery system or prioritize certain groups, such as students within the local district or siblings of current students.
3. Curriculum and Instruction:
   • Public Schools: Public schools follow state-mandated curriculum standards. They must adhere to specific guidelines and assessments set by the state education department. Instructional methods and approaches may vary across schools within the public system.
   • Private Schools: Private schools often have more flexibility in designing their curriculum. They can offer specialized programs, religious instruction, or alternative educational philosophies. Private schools may have smaller class sizes and more personalized instruction.
   • Charter Schools: Charter schools have some flexibility in designing their curriculum but are still required to meet certain educational standards. They may focus on specific themes, such as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), arts, or language immersion.
4. Accountability and Regulation:
   • Public Schools: Public schools are subject to government oversight, accountability measures, and standardized testing. They must adhere to state regulations, meet performance standards, and report their progress to the respective education authorities.
   • Private Schools: Private schools have more autonomy and are not subject to the same level of government regulation and accountability as public schools. They may have their own accreditation processes and evaluation methods.
   • Charter Schools: Charter schools are held accountable to the terms of their charter agreements, which outline specific performance goals and academic outcomes. They may face consequences, including closure, if they fail to meet these goals.

It’s important to note that these differences are generalizations and may vary based on specific schools, districts, or regions. It’s advisable to research and consider individual schools within each category to gain a more accurate understanding of their unique qualities and educational offerings.