Charter schools in RI: How they work, why they are so polarizing

Rhode Island’s first public charter school opened its doors in 1997. In subsequent years, the state’s charter school system has flourished to boast 37 schools that educate 10% of all Rhode Island public school students , as of 2023 data.

As student enrollment steadily declines at standard public schools, the demand for more charter school seats is on the rise, especially in the state’s urban core.