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Charter Schools

A charter school is a publicly funded school that is exempt from most provisions of the Education Code and provides instruction in grades K-12. A charter school is usually created or organized by a group of teachers, parents and community leaders or a community-based organization, and it is usually sponsored by an existing local public school board or county board of education. Specific goals and operating procedures for the charter school are detailed in an agreement (or "charter") between the sponsoring board and charter organizers.

Since January 1, 1999, all teachers in charter schools are required to hold either a teaching credential or other document equivalent to that which a teacher in other public schools would be required to hold issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. The statute also provides that it is the intent of the Legislature that charter schools be given flexibility with regard to noncore, noncollege preparatory courses. Teachers in core or college preparatory courses must hold a valid credential equivalent to that which would be required of a teacher in a non-charter public school. The statute does not affect the qualifications for any service personnel (administrators, counselors, librarians or others) employed by the charter school.

There are several routes that an individual may use to earn a credential in California. Below are links to the requirements that may be of assistance to charter school teachers. They include traditional routes such as college and university teacher preparation programs and internships. However, there are additional routes including eminence credentials, private school experience, early completion internship options, and teaching permits.


Teacher Education Programs

Elementary or Secondary - General Education

Multiple Subject

Single Subject

Special Education


General Information:


Questions on How to Earn a Document
Information Services Section: by email at credentials@ctc.ca.gov or by telephone at 888-921-2682 (1:00 pm to 4:45 pm)

Charter Schools Program Approval and Funding
The Charter School Division of the California Department of Education is responsible for approval, maintenance, and funding of charter schools. You may contact them by the following methods:

Address: 1430 N Street, Suite 5401, Sacramento CA 95814
Telephone: 916-322-6029
Email: charters@cde.ca.gov
Website: http://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/cs/

Assignment Monitoring in Charter Schools
Statute requires charter schools to maintain 'on file' the credentials, emergency permits or waivers which authorize individuals to teach in the schools. The chartering authority is given the responsibility to conduct 'periodic' inspections of such documents. The statute does not define 'periodic'. Chartering authorities appear to be free to determine the frequency and manner of such periodic inspections.

The Commission has concluded that assignment monitoring in charter schools is not subject to the same statutory provisions that govern non-charter schools. County superintendents of schools are not required to monitor charter schools as a part of their statutory responsibilities. The Commission does not receive information on assignments in charter schools as a part of the annual reports submitted by county superintendents of schools.

Updated November 26, 2007