Chartered schools are publicly funded schools that operate independently of the traditional school district system. They are established through a charter, which is a performance contract detailing the school’s mission, program, and accountability measures. These schools have more flexibility in their operations, including curriculum design and staffing, in exchange for increased accountability for student performance. Chartered schools are often created to provide alternative educational options and can focus on specific themes, such as arts or sciences. They are governed by a board of directors and must meet certain standards set by their chartering authority, which can include local school boards or state agencies.