charter school

American  

[chahr-ter skool] / ˈtʃɑr tər ˌskul /

noun

1. an autonomous public school created by a contract between a sponsor, as a local school district or corporation, and an organizer, as a group of teachers or a community group, often with a curriculum or focus that is not traditional.

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Etymology

Origin of charter school

First recorded in 1800–10; current use dates from 1985–90

Example Sentences

In response, districts including Malakoff ISD in Texas and at least one charter school in Arizona canceled scheduled Lifetouch photos, with some officials announcing they would keep pictures “in-house for the rest of the year.”

From Salon • Feb. 15, 2026

A public charter school in El Segundo, Calif., is taking another novel approach to instilling financial literacy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 8, 2026

At a public charter school in California, students create financial plans for their future selves.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 8, 2026

Palisades High is an independent charter school governed by its own board.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 27, 2026

Ma asked this all the time, and I couldn't tell if she really had a hard time keeping up with the grading system of our charter school or if she was just being shady.

From "Patina" by Jason Reynolds