A Tuition-Free Public School—
with More Flexibility by Design
A public charter school is a tuition-free public school that operates with greater flexibility than traditional school districts—while still meeting state academic standards and accountability requirements. That flexibility allows schools like The Texas Girls School to design programs that are innovative, student-centered, and mission-driven.
The Basics: What Charter Schools Are (and Are Not)
Public charter schools are:
- Public (tuition-free and open to eligible students)
- Accountable (held to state academic and financial standards)
- Independent (able to make decisions about curriculum, school model, and programming)
Public charter schools are not:
- Private schools
- Selective schools (no entrance exams or academic prerequisites)
- Pay-to-attend programs
How Enrollment Works at The Texas Girls School
The Texas Girls School is open enrollment and tuition-free. If applications exceed available seats, the school may use a lottery process in accordance with Texas charter school requirements to ensure fairness and equal opportunity.
How Charter Schools Are Funded (and Why It Matters)
Public charter schools receive public funding, but in Texas they are generally not funded by local school district property taxes in the same way traditional public (non-charter) schools are. This creates a structural funding gap — often around $1,200 per student per year — that can affect resources, programming, and student opportunities.
That’s why schools like The Texas Girls School pursue grants, community partnerships, and fundraising to support enrichment, programs, and experiences that families value, without changing the fact that the school is tuition-free. Optional community and family support makes a meaningful difference.
Accountability: Who Oversees Charter Schools?
Public charter schools in Texas are authorized and overseen by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and must meet academic and financial performance requirements. If a charter school does not meet those standards, the state has the authority to intervene — ensuring public accountability.
Understanding Your School Options
Charter vs. Traditional Public vs. Private Schools
| Public Charter School | Traditional Public School | Private School | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | Tuition-free | Tuition-free | Tuition required |
| Who Can Attend | Open enrollment (lottery if oversubscribed) | Based on residential zoning | Selective admissions |
| Public Accountability | Yes – held to state academic & financial standards | Yes | No (independent governance) |
| Funding Source | State public funding (not local property taxes) + grants/fundraising | State + local property taxes | Tuition + private funding |
| Curriculum Flexibility | High – schools can design specialized programs | Limited by district requirements | High |
| Ability to Specialize | Yes (STEM, arts, language, mission-driven models) | Limited | Yes |
| Cost to Families | No cost to attend | No cost to attend | Significant cost |
| Mission-Driven Design | Yes | Typically district-wide | Yes |
What This Means for Families
A public charter school like The Texas Girls School combines the access and accountability of public education with the intentional design and flexibility often associated with private schools—without the tuition.
Families don’t pay to attend, students aren’t selected based on test scores, and the school is still held to rigorous public standards. The difference is that charter schools have the freedom to build programs that are focused, innovative, and responsive to student needs.
Why This Matters at The Texas Girls School
As a tuition-free public charter school, The Texas Girls School is able to:
- Offer a STEM-focused, all-girls learning environment
- Serve families regardless of financial background
- Design programs intentionally for grades 6 through 12
- Remain publicly accountable while thinking creatively about how girls learn best
