According to my preliminary analysis of state testing data, charter schools performed better than district schools on all but one measure.
Performance Composite*
(Definition: The percentage of the test scores in the school at or above proficient or Achievement Level III)
District Regular (2,232 schools)
63.8 percent (average)
65.2 percent (median)
Charter Regular (89 schools)
64.3 percent (average)
69.2 percent (median)
District Alternative (77 schools)
26.0 percent (average)
25.5 percent (median)
Charter Alternative (6 schools)
28.0 percent (average)
27.8 percent (median)
Schools Meeting AYP**
(Definition: The percentage of schools that met proficiency goals for all student subgroups under No Child Left Behind)
District Regular (2,256 schools): 30.9 percent
Charter Regular (92 schools): 42.4 percent
District Alternative (52 schools): 13.5 percent
Charter Alternative (6 schools): 0 percent
*Only includes schools with a performance composite
**Only includes schools with an AYP status