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 purpose and structure of the entity, such as a city, school, or nonprofit organization. Charters are often used to establish rules and guidelines for governance and operations. 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 have the flexibility to create their own curricula and teaching methods while still being held accountable for student performance and outcomes.