Charter vs. Public vs. Private: What’s the Difference?
Choosing a school means weighing cost, curriculum, accountability, and culture. Here’s a side-by-side look at the three main models in North Carolina—and why many families land on Wake Preparatory Academy, a tuition-free charter school with a community focus.
Why Choose a Charter School?
- Tuition‑free and public. Like district schools, charter schools are funded with public dollars, so there’s no tuition bill. Families invest time and partnership, not a checkbook.
- Innovative and flexible. Charters have greater freedom over curriculum design, scheduling, and teaching methods, allowing them to tailor programs to student needs and community values.
- Accountable for results. Every charter signs a legally binding agreement with the state detailing academic goals. Schools that don’t meet those goals can be closed, creating a powerful incentive to keep quality high.
- Smaller, community‑focused campuses. Many charters—including WPA—intentionally keep class sizes manageable so teachers can build strong relationships with students and families.
- A growing, proven option. Charter schools now serve more than 145,000 North Carolina students—over 10 % of the state’s public‑school enrollment. In the 2025‑26 school year, an estimated 218 charter schools will operate statewide, illustrating both popularity and staying power (source: dpi.nc.gov).
Charter Schools vs. Other Schools
The Wake Preparatory Advantage
Wake Prep blends the best of public access and private‑school feel:
- K–12 Continuum on One Campus
- Students don’t have to change schools every few years. From Kindergarten phonics to AP® courses and college counseling, our faculty collaborate across grade levels to create a seamless learning journey.
- R.A.I.S.E. Values
- Respect, Accountability, Integrity, Service, and Excellence aren’t posters on a wall—they’re part of daily lessons and community projects. Parents tell us these values make a tangible difference at home and in the classroom.
- Flexible, Future‑Ready Curriculum
- Charter autonomy lets us pair North Carolina standards with project‑based learning, leadership seminars, and strong electives in coding, fine arts, and athletics.
- Tuition‑Free, College‑Prep Focus
- Families get a rigorous, college‑bound program without private‑school tuition. Our students take Honors and AP® classes, prep for the SAT/ACT, and receive individualized counseling starting in middle school.
- Family Partnership & Voice
- As a nonprofit charter, WPA is guided by an independent board of local parents and professionals. Your voice matters—in advisory councils, volunteer committees, and feedback forums.
Have a few more questions?
Come say hello. Book an in-person or virtual tour and watch our classrooms—and our kids—at work.
Want the nuts and bolts of charter schools? Check out the NC Department of Public Instruction’s Charter Division or visit the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools to see how the model works statewide and across the country.
Ready to jump in? Our Enrollment page has the timeline, lottery info, and a simple step-by-step guide to get started.
Choosing a school is a big deal, and we’re here to walk you through it—no pressure, just facts. We can’t wait to show you how Wake Preparatory Academy blends innovation with a close-knit community so every student can Learn. Lead. Change the World.
