School choice is a popular and controversial topic across the nation. School choice options include both public schools such as charter schools and magnet schools, as well as private school options. In North Carolina, the cap was lifted on the number of charter schools in 2011 and since that time additional charter schools have opened each year. In Mecklenburg county there are two main school choice options: magnet schools that operate within the Charlotte Mecklenburg School district and charter schools that operate independently. This study compares and contrasts the magnet schools and charter schools in Mecklenburg County in the areas of academic outcomes, funding and expenditures, staffing, and opportunities for students. Findings from this study indicated there are differences in academic outcomes between magnet schools and charter schools; magnet school students have higher grade level proficiency rates and higher graduation rates. In addition, findings indicated that charter schools and magnet schools are given equal per-pupil funding, but there are differences in expenditures. Charter schools are also associated with hidden costs for families and request for parent and community donations. Findings indicated charter schools had less licensed teachers than magnet schools and higher student teacher ratios with a greater number of administrators. Finally, magnet schools all had specific academic programs, while most charter schools described a more general academic program. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]