Utah has the nation's fourth strongest system of charter school laws, according to a report released today by The Center for Education Reform.

The center, which advocates for school choice and charter schools, gave Utah a grade of B on its charter school laws.

The center cited Utah's "steadily improving charter climate," its method of funding, which is somewhat similar to traditional public schools, and the state's lack of a cap on the number of charter schools.

Utah limits the number of students who can enroll in charters each year but not the actual number of charter schools.

Brian Allen, chair of the State Charter School Board, called the ranking good news. He said he was a bit surprised given that other states have had charter school systems longer than Utah.

Utah enacted its charter school laws in 1998.

"We try to let the schools run themselves as much as they can without interference from the bureaucracy," Allen said. "It think it's created a sense of ownership and pride."

Many hope Utah's charter school laws could help it win federal Race to the Top funds, a $4.35 billion pot of money that will go to states that demonstrate commitment to certain education reforms. States with charter caps could be at a disadvantage when applying for the money.

"Our charter laws are fair," said Brenda Hales, state associate superintendent. She said the state strikes a good balance between monitoring charter schools and allowing them freedom. "We have a strong track record of both giving opportunities for innovation and for independence."

In the report, only three areas, the District of Columbia, Minnesota and California earned A grades. Most state laws earned Cs and Ds, and three states' charter school laws, Virginia, Iowa and Kansas, failed.