A charter school is a public school that may provide instruction in any combination of grades (transitional kindergarten through grade twelve). Parents, teachers, or community members may initiate a charter petition, which is typically presented to and approved by a local school district governing board. The law grants chartering authority to county boards of educations, such as the appeal of a petition’s denial by a school district governing board or the direct approval of countywide benefit charter schools.

The specific goals and operating procedures for a charter school are detailed in the agreement (also referred to as the charter, petition, or charter petition) between the authorizing entity and the school’s organizers.