A public charter is a document that outlines the purpose, goals and structure of an organization or entity. In the context of education, it refers to a type of school that operates under a specific set of guidelines and principles, often with more autonomy than traditional schools. These schools are typically created by parents, teachers, or community members who want to offer a unique educational experience for students. Public charter schools receive public funding but have the flexibility to experiment with new teaching methods and curriculum in order to improve student outcomes.