A charter school is a type of public school that operates independently from the traditional school district system. These schools are established through a charter, which is a legal agreement that outlines their mission, educational goals, and methods of operation. Charter schools receive public funding but have more flexibility in their curriculum and teaching methods compared to regular public schools. Charter schools are often created to provide alternative educational options and may focus on specific themes, such as STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) or the arts. They are open to all students, but enrollment may be limited, and some schools use a lottery system to fill available spots.