Charter schools are a relatively new idea in American education. They use public school dollars to offer students a choice, usually in locations where traditional schools are struggling or failing.

While the charter movement's school-by-school results are mixed (as they are for all U.S. schools), two local charters were recognized last week for outstanding work. City Charter High School in Downtown and Propel McKeesport are among 21 charters around the country that will receive cash awards from EPIC, the Effective Practice Incentive Community program. The schools' principals and teachers will get $3,000 to $8,000 each for their work in raising student achievement.

This accolade follows the Blue Ribbon Award for general excellence won by the Manchester Academic Charter School in Pittsburgh last September. The award is given by the federal government to public schools and charter schools, and only a dozen schools in Pennsylvania won a Blue Ribbon in 2008.

That puts these schools in rare company and it shows high performance at City High, Propel McKeesport and Manchester Academic -- further proof that innovation and success can be found in well-run charter programs.