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

Melvoin has been the board’s most consistent supporter of charter schools, although like most members, he almost always follows the recommendation of the district’s charter school division regarding which charters to renew.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

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

The New York Post reported in December that Mr. Mamdani had rebuffed an offer to meet with charter school operators to discuss how they can work together.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 3, 2026

The property occupied by the independent charter school is owned by the Los Angeles Unified School District.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 3, 2025

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