North Dakota Legislature Approves Bill to Establish Public Charter Schools 

“This legislation is an important step forward for students and families—one that expands public school choice, offers communities new tools to meet local education challenges and positions North Dakota to join the growing national movement to empower families with quality public school choices. 

“Policymakers have established a thoughtful framework that ensures public charter schools meet high academic standards, operate with transparency and remain tuition-free. At the same time, they have created the foundation for a more dynamic and responsive public education system that gives these new charter schools the power to drive innovation, serve diverse learners and close opportunity gaps.  

“We applaud Gov. Kelly Armstrong, Sen. Michelle Axtman, State Superintendent Kirsten Baesler and the North Dakota Legislature for their student-focused leadership and for their vision to expand educational opportunities that reflect the unique needs of North Dakota families and students.” 

About the Legislation: 

SB 2241 authorizes the creation of public charter schools in North Dakota for the first time. Public charter schools will operate under the same school accountability standards as traditional public schools but will be managed by independent governing boards and operate outside of district structures. North Dakota becomes the 47^th state in the nation to allow public charter schools.  

The bill:  

• Establishes a statewide framework for launching charter schools in North Dakota, which must be approved through performance agreements with the Department of Public Instruction. 

• Requires charter schools to meet or exceed academic and graduation benchmarks set by the state, with strong oversight provisions. 

• Requires charter schools to be tuition-free, non-sectarian and open to all students.