A charter is a formal document that outlines the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of an organization or group. It serves as a foundational agreement that defines the structure and governance of entities such as cities, universities, or nonprofit organizations. Charters often include details about the mission, objectives, and operational guidelines of the organization. In the context of education, a charter school operates under a charter that allows it to function independently from traditional public school systems. These schools are granted the freedom to create their own curricula and teaching methods while still being held accountable for student performance and outcomes.