Six charter schools are often cited as among the state's best. They were started during the Michael O. Leavitt administration with the help of a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
These charter schools were referred to as high-tech high schools because of their focus on math, engineering and science. These schools had strong relationships with local school districts and with the college/universities in their respective areas.
The first school was The Academy of Math Engineering and Science (AMES) located at Cottonwood High School. Five others followed in various locations throughout Utah. These schools had open admissions, were supported by Utah public education teachers and college professors, and were governed by boards of citizen volunteers.