In this title, “public charter school” means a public school that:

1. (1) Is nonsectarian in all its programs, policies, and operations;
2. (2) Is a school to which parents choose to send their children;
3. (3) Except as provided in §§ 9-102.1, 9-102.2, and 9-102.3 of this title, is open to all students on a space-available basis and admits students on a lottery basis if more students apply than can be accommodated;
4. (4) Is a new public school or a conversion of an existing public school;
5. (5) Provides a program of elementary or secondary education or both;
6. (6) Operates in pursuit of a specific set of educational objectives;
7. (7) Is tuition-free;
8. (8) Is subject to federal and State laws prohibiting discrimination;
9. (9) Is in compliance with all applicable health and safety laws;
10. (10) Is in compliance with § 9-107 of this title;
11. (11) Operates under the supervision of the public chartering authority from which its charter is granted and in accordance with its charter and, except as provided in §§ 9-104.1 and 9-106 of this title, the provisions of law and regulation governing other public schools;
12. (12) Requires students to be physically present on school premises for a period of time substantially similar to that which other public school students spend on school premises; and
13. (13) Is created in accordance with this title and the appropriate county board policy.

Added by Acts 2003, c. 358, § 1, eff. July 1, 2003. Amended by Acts 2004, c. 25, § 1, eff. April 13, 2004; Acts 2010, c. 353, § 1, eff. July 1, 2010; Acts 2015, c. 311, § 1, eff. June 1, 2015.