Public Schools vs. Charter Schools This article explains the relationship of public schools and charter schools. If you are considering sending your child to a public or charter school, read this article to learn more about public schools in general and charter schools in particular. Charter schools are actually one type of public school, but they have so much in common with private schools, that many people think of them as being in a separate category. Here’s an explanation of the different types of public school, and how charter schools fit in with the rest. Public Schools: the Numbers.