By Claudia Lorena Silva, El Paso Matters Charter schools are a form of tuition-free public schools, which are subject to fewer regulations than traditional public schools and are operated by independent organizations or groups under an agreement with the state. Texas lawmakers passed legislation in 1995 authorizing the creation of charter schools as part of an effort, known as school choice, to provide parents with more options for their children’s education and to compete with traditional public schools.

Last school year, there were over 14,500 students enrolled in the 10 active charter school organizations operating throughout El Paso County, according to Texas Education Agency enrollment data. They range from multi-campus school systems with selective graduation requirements, such as I

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