Why were charter schools created?

Charter schools were created to help improve our nation’s public school system and offer parents public school options to better meet their child’s specific needs. The core of the charter school model is the belief that public schools should be held accountable for student learning. In exchange for this accountability, charter schools have the responsibility to innovate and share what works with the broader public school system so that all students benefit. Pennsylvania charter school law can be found here:
Pennsylvania Act 22.