So You Want to Create a Charter School?

Charter schools receive government funding but operate independently of the established state school system in which they are located. They are reviewed by local, state, and Federal departments of education to ensure that all state and Federal education regulations are being met and the terms of the charter, or agreement, between the school and local public education agency (LEA) are being met. According to the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, 67 percent of all charter schools are independently run non-profit, single site schools; 20 percent are run by non-profit organizations, or networks, that run more than one charter school; and just under 13 percent are run by for-profit companies. Charter schools can be found across many types of communities but often are located in urban areas where current educational options are not meeting the academic and/or socio-emotional needs of local children. Some charter schools have admission policies where students outside the district can attend but preference is usually given to students who reside in district. When demand exceeds capacity, charter schools are often forced to institute a weighted lottery system for admission.

So are you crazy enough to improve educational outcomes for traditionally disenfranchised students? Developing a charter school from scratch can be an extremely rewarding experience as you see your ideas for educational innovation come to life. If you were frustrated in the classroom because you knew you could make more of an impact, then new school creation might just be for you. Image: Young Frankenstein

Planning can take up to several years, however, before you see smiling faces before you. So, be prepared for the long haul and decide whether or not you can dedicate yourself to the creation process full-time or whether or not you will still require full-time employment to pay those bills. You may have the chance to work on school replication - on fellowship -with charter networks such as K.I.P.P. If you decide to go with an existing network, instead of striking out on your own to create a completely new school, just make sure the organizational values match your own. Each charter network's mission is unique. Image: Bride of Frankenstein Movie

Here are some resources to get you started on the process of creating your school:

Application Information

Every state/city has slightly different rules as to how to apply to create a charter school. Each state and/or city also offers different services to individuals interested in creating charter schools. Those communities in need of additional student seats will be more apt to assist you in this process so, if you do not already live in an urban/high need area, consider if you will be able to move to these geographic areas. For example, in New York City alone, there were 73,000 student applications, in 2017, to attend city charter schools.

Also, keep in mind the types of school models that funders are currently supporting. Schools that promote personalized instruction, the use of digital technology, community partnerships, high school-university connections, Habits of Mind, deep learning, and cooperative/project based learning (PBL) are greatly in demand. See the Hewlett Foundation for a sample list of education projects that it recently funded as well as new schools awarded funding in the XQ Super School Competition.

New York - To learn more about the application process in New York State, contact either of the two state authorizing agencies; the NYS Education Department or SUNY's Charter School Institute. The New York City Charter School Center website also has useful information, while organizations such as the Center for Educational Innovation can help you throughout the process of application completion. CEI offers these services to individuals, community groups, school leaders, boards, and other interested school partnership organizations. CEI can also help founders find access to angel investor funding.

Texas - The Texas Charter Schools Association can help founders through the application process in Texas. Currently, there are 17 authorizers in the state.

Georgia - The State Charter Schools Commission authorizes new charter schools in the state. The Georgia Charter School Association can assist with filing of applications.

Here are some other organizations that seek individuals who want to start schools - Building Excellent Schools (nationwide), The Mind Trust (Indianapolis), Reframe Labs (Los Angeles), 4.0 Schools (New Orleans/nationwide), City Bridge Education (Washington, DC) and Innovate Public Schools (San Jose). Also take a look at Education Cities - a harbor master for organizations like those in this list.

Development of a School Board

Many charter school authorizers require that there be a board in place in order to approve a new charter school application. Establishing a governing board is a paramount consideration given that 27 percent of charter school applications are disrupted by board upheaval. Consider the strengths that you will need in the people that surround you - many school boards include experts in finance, development, marketing/media, academics, real estate/physical plant operation, and/or student welfare. Where do your strengths lie? Where are your weaknesses? Organizations such as Charter Board Partners and/or Board on Track can provide ongoing support as you develop your board.

Development Year - Setting Up Quarterly Benchmarks for Yourself/Team

After applications are approved by authorizers, it can be one to several years to put everything in place needed to run a school not the least of which is the securing of a physical space. In some cities, new charter schools find space by sharing it with other charter school organizations in large school buildings. Other new charter schools have rented space from local Catholic dioceses that might not be using all of their school building stock. Still others have designed and built their own 21st Century state of the art facilities.

You will need to develop a short and longer term budget and a master schedule/course progression. You will also need to order supplies and academic texts/materials (using rubrics to determine rigor), enhance plant security, hire teaching and operational staff, implement a hiring process protocol, and craft a professional training plan inclusive of annual, unit, and lesson writing as well as time for curriculum scope and sequence development and staff training in the chosen research based framework for teacher practice. It is important to also note that most accrediting agencies prefer schools that promote teacher cooperation and leadership, evidenced by the scheduling of ongoing professional learning communities that utilize a data informed school improvement process. Recruitment materials also will need to be crafted, outreach to families begun, and an admissions process determined. And don't forget a mission statement, website, and draft graduate profile!

Good luck! May you soon be dancing for joy over your new school.:-) Images: Young Frankenstein