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 how the entity will operate, including its goals and governance structure. Charters are commonly used for institutions like schools, cities, and corporations. In the context of education, a charter school is a publicly funded school that operates independently of the traditional school district system. These schools are established by a charter, which allows them to create their own curriculum and teaching methods while still adhering to certain educational standards.