The only difference is that if a charter school conducts classes in an area where religious symbols are present, they must be covered (Michigan.gov/Michigan Department of Education). When I began this article, my understanding was that charter schools provide free services to their children and that many charter districts charge fees for clothing, food, and even extracurricular activities. The only difference between charter and public is that they will provide children if they need a certain brand of clothing. So how do charter schools actually benefit families who really need them?