HB 543 allows for the creation of charter schools in Virginia. Charter schools are not exempt from the state Standards of Quality and must ask for waivers from regulations in the charter agreement. Any person, group or organization may submit an application to the local school district, the sole chartering authority (no appeals process is included in the statutes). The total number of charter schools cannot exceed ten percent of the school division's total number of schools or two schools (whichever is greater). Priority is given to charter school applications designed to increase the educational opportunities for at-risk students. The charter term is five years and personnel are considered employees of the local school district. --Eric Hirsch

Link to Virginia Charter School laws