FREE · K–8 · San Jose
Rocketship Public Schools
Multiple campuses across East San Jose and Redwood City. Strong math and literacy focus. Extended school day. Lottery opens January–February for fall enrollment. Consistently outperforms surrounding district schools on state assessments.
Lottery: Jan–Feb · Grades: K–5 · Tuition: $0
FREE · K–12 · San Jose
Downtown College Prep (DCP)
College-preparatory charter serving San Jose students. 100% of graduates have been accepted to four-year colleges. Strong emphasis on first-generation college students. High school campus in downtown San Jose, middle school in Alum Rock.
Lottery: Feb–Mar · Grades: 6–12 · Tuition: $0
FREE · K–8 · Santa Clara County
Voices College-Bound Language Academy
Dual-language immersion charter — students learn in both English and Spanish from kindergarten. Strong academic outcomes. Serves San Jose and Morgan Hill. One of the few free dual-language options in Santa Clara County.
Lottery: Feb · Grades: K–8 · Tuition: $0
FREE · K–8 · Sunnyvale / Campbell
Alta Vista Innovation High School
Project-based learning charter with a STEM focus. Small school environment — under 400 students total. Students complete real-world projects with community partners. Draws from across Santa Clara County via open enrollment lottery.
Lottery: Jan–Mar · Grades: 9–12 · Tuition: $0
FREE · K–12 · San Jose / Milpitas
Caliber Schools
College-prep charter network with campuses in Vallejo and Richmond plus Santa Clara County. Extended day, strong culture program. Serves students who traditionally have less access to rigorous academics. Lottery draws widely.
Lottery: Feb–Apr · Grades: K–8 · Tuition: $0
HOW LOTTERY WORKS · ALL CHARTERS
The lottery system explained
Apply during the open enrollment window (usually January–March). The school draws names randomly on lottery day. If not selected, you go on a waitlist. Siblings of current students get priority in most charters. Apply to 3–5 schools — waitlists move, especially after April 15 when families commit elsewhere.
What parents ask us
Are charter schools in Silicon Valley actually free?
Yes — completely free. Charter schools are public schools funded by California taxpayer dollars. There is no tuition, no enrollment fee, and no required donations. The only cost to families is transportation, since charters often do not provide buses within the same radius as traditional public schools.
How do I apply to a charter school in San Jose or Cupertino?
Each charter runs its own open enrollment period, typically January through March for fall admission. Visit the school's website directly — most have an online application form. Submit before the lottery date. If not selected, ask to be placed on the waitlist. Waitlists move significantly between March and August as families make other plans.
What is the difference between a charter school and a private school in Silicon Valley?
A charter school is free, publicly funded, and uses a lottery for admission. A private school charges tuition ($10,000–$40,000+/year) and uses a selective application process. Charter schools must meet California state academic standards; private schools set their own curriculum. Both can have excellent outcomes — the right choice depends on your child's needs and whether you win the lottery.
Which Silicon Valley charter schools have the best academic outcomes?
Downtown College Prep has a strong record of college acceptance for all graduates. Rocketship schools consistently outperform surrounding district schools in math and literacy. Voices College-Bound is the strongest free dual-language option in Santa Clara County. Check each school's California School Dashboard ratings — look for green or blue in English Language Arts and Math.
What happens if my child is not selected in the charter school lottery?
You go on the waitlist. Don't give up — waitlists move substantially between April and August as families who were accepted elsewhere make their decisions. Stay in contact with the school office monthly. Meanwhile, apply to your neighborhood public school as a backup and continue exploring other options on this page.