# Charter School — Definition & Explanation

> From the SchoolBrowse Education Glossary.
> HTML version: https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/charter-school

**In short:** A publicly funded school that operates independently of the traditional public school system under a charter or contract with the state.
A **charter school** is a publicly funded school that operates independently under a charter, or contract, granted by a state or local authority. Unlike traditional public schools, charter schools have greater flexibility in their curriculum, teaching methods, and operations, though they must meet the academic standards outlined in their charter.

## Key Characteristics

Charter schools are tuition-free and open to all students, typically through a lottery system if applications exceed available spots. They are held accountable for academic results and can be closed if they fail to meet the terms of their charter. Many charter schools focus on specific educational approaches, such as STEM, arts, or college preparation.

## Benefits and Considerations

Supporters argue that charter schools provide educational choice and can drive innovation in teaching. Critics raise concerns about accountability, funding impacts on traditional public schools, and variable quality across different charter operators.

## Frequently asked questions

**Q: Are charter schools free?**

Yes, charter schools are publicly funded and do not charge tuition. They receive per-pupil funding similar to traditional public schools.
**Q: How do you get into a charter school?**

Most charter schools use a lottery system for admissions when applications exceed available spots. Some may have specific requirements or focus areas.
**Q: What is the difference between charter and public schools?**

Charter schools have more operational flexibility than traditional public schools but must meet specific performance standards outlined in their charter agreement.

---
Source: SchoolBrowse Education Glossary (https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary). Please attribute and link to https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/charter-school when citing this definition.