A one-of-its-kind charter school has opened in Johnston County and parents here say it offers smaller classroom sizes, more one-on-one opportunities and a specialized curriculum.

"The advantage is definitely the size and the family-welcome atmosphere," said Tabatha Koziarz, who pulled her daughter, Catherine, out of "traditional public school" to attend the third-grade at Neuse Charter School. "The curriculum is incredible."

More than 200 students enrolled at the school, located near Selma, on Aug. 27, according to Dave Neville, board chairman for the school. Although parents must drive their children to classes and no cafeteria services are provided, he said the pros "far outweigh" the cons for some local parents.

"Citizens and students need alternatives," he said. "Traditional schools don't meet everyone's needs."

According to Neuse Director Dean Olah, the charter school is a public school governed by a separate board. Any student from the county can attend.

"What we've created here is more than a school, it's a family," he said. "The general public sees this as a private school, but it is in fact public."

A majority of the charter school's current funding came from a $200,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The rest was raised through fundraising and other volunteer efforts.

There are more than 100 parents, teachers and community members who volunteer at the school. On any given day, more than 20 are on campus, assisting teachers. That can be very helpful, according to Kelly Davis, one of the 11 educators at the school.

"I love the different approach they have here," she said. "Everyone is involved and there's a lot of hands-on learning."

Officials hope to add a sixth grade next year to the kindergarten through fifth-grade school. Classes offered include Spanish and Asian languages, art, music and creative movement.