Lawmakers instead are expected to draw on the information for background in the coming months.

One clear message from the study is "parents want choice," according to Andrea Rorrer, director of the policy center based at the University of Utah.

The more than 200-page study does not analyze the quality or success of Utah's growing number of charter schools but examines the schools' purpose, parents' decision to enroll students and concerns about the schools, among other issues.

Charter school, district and state officials as well as charter school parents were among those involved in the study, which was conducted through a series of interviews, surveys and focus groups.

Rorrer said the perception is that charter schools do more with their money than public schools.

A financial audit of charter schools completed by the Office of the Legislative Auditor General will be released before the legislative session.

Some of the concerns raised by participants in the study include whether charter schools are adhering to their purpose, whether they segregate the population and whether they're truly unique and innovative in their approach to education.

- Julia Lyon