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It's a school concept that appears to be gaining momentum in Utah.
Charter Schools -- there are already 13 running in the state, 3 more in the works-- and the legislature set to consider approving more.
At the Center City School, located inside a strip mall in Salt Lake, the administrative team says Charter's are growing in popularity because they offer parents and students a choice to mainstream public education.
They're allowed to try out new concepts inside the classrooms.
Sonia Woodbury/Center City School - "PEOPLE WANT CHOICE, THEY WANT THE OPPORTUNITY TO TRY NEW THINGS AND NEW IDEAS, AND THIS GIVES THEM THAT."
Charter schools are free -- and anyone is welcome to apply.
Most of them offer smaller class sizes - and some boast special programs, like arts and music.