* State government: Often the largest source of funding, allocated through state education agencies. Funding formulas can vary, often based on student enrollment and sometimes other factors.
* Local government: Some districts provide supplemental funding, although this is less consistent than state funding.
* Federal government: Charter schools receive some federal funding, similar to traditional public schools, through programs like Title I for low-income students.
* Private donations and grants: Charter schools may supplement their public funding through private donations, grants from foundations, and fundraising activities. This is usually a smaller portion of their budget than public funding.
* Tuition (rare): While most charter schools are tuition-free, a very small number may charge tuition, often for specialized programs or in specific circumstances. These are exceptions to the rule.
It's crucial to remember that while charter schools receive public funding, they are not directly controlled by the local school district in the same way as traditional public schools. They operate under a charter, a contract that outlines their operational guidelines and accountability measures.