This study is relevant to parents, private organizations, and the educational system interested in discovering whether charter school students perform better academically than traditional public elementary school students. The Pennsylvania System of School Assessment data were used to analyze and compare student performance in grades 3-5 from two local charter schools and one school district which had six elementary schools. Data were analyzed for each grade level (3-5) and compared to specific characteristics such as ethnicity, gender, and socio-economic status. Three quantitative research questions were asked and addressed during this study. The quantitative results found that traditional public elementary schools performed academically better than charter schools; however, depending on the municipality, differences in performance can vary. The results of this study concluded that one district school outperformed the two charter schools. However, one charter school consistently scored more proficient than several public schools within the district, but the performance varied among grade levels. [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/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]