Please click on the link below for a clear explanation of how special education is funded at charter schools.

Special Education Funding Explained

Legislative Proposal

More than 90% of Pennsylvania school boards support charter reform proposed by Senator Lindsey Williams (D-Allegheny). Needed Charter Reform Includes:

Fair Funding

• Institute a flat rate for cyber charter tuition
• Apply tiered special education funding aligned to actual costs
• Update reconciliation process

Level Playing Field

• Public access to basic information about charter operations and performance
• Community representation on charter school boards
• Transparency in financial transactions
• Accountability for management companies

Charter schools do not charge students tuition – they receive the majority of funding from their students' resident school districts. The amount a charter school receives is based upon a statutory funding formula, which requires tuition rates for both nonspecial and special education students. The 2022-2023 tuition rates paid by the School District of Pittsburgh are $19,398.75 for Non-Special Education and $46,516.99 for Special Education.

For more information on charter school funding, review Section 1725-A of the Pennsylvania Public School Code.

For more information on charter school funding, review Section 1725-A of the Pennsylvania Public School Code.

Charter School Tuition Rates

Charter school tuition rates, also known as Selected Expenditures per Average Daily Membership, are calculated using form PDE-363, Funding for Charter Schools (Excel).

• 2022-23 rates based on PDE 363s received by PDE 
• 2021-22 rates based on PDE-363s received by PDE
• 2020-21 rates based on PDE-363s received by PDE 
• 2019-20 rates based on PDE-363s received by PDE 
• 2018-19 rates based on PDE-363s received by PDE 

Source: PDE