The only difference is that if a charter school hosts classes in an area where there are religious symbols, they must be covered (Michigan.gov/Michigan Department of Education). When I first started this article, I understood that charter schools offered free services to their children, and I discovered that several charter districts charged fees for clothing, food, and even after-school activities. The only difference between charter and public is that they will supply children if they request a certain brand of clothing. So how do charter schools really benefit families who really need them?