Starting a Charter School

Given the freedom to be innovative while still being accountable for improving student academic achievement, charter schools have improved the public education landscape in Florida, have empowered parents to be true partners in a child’s education, and have raised the bar for what is possible in public education. Created three decades ago in an effort to improve our nation’s public school system and close the achievement gap, charter schools have done that and more.
If you have an idea for a great charter school…one that breaks with tradition, thinks outside the box or aims to serve a historically under-served community, you’ve come to the right place. The links below will provide you with some information to get your application process started. We also encourage you to visit the charter school page of the district you plan to apply to. If you need a consultant to help you and your founding board through this process, contact Lynn@flcharteralliance.org

Writing a Charter School Application: Tips for new applicants

Florida Model Charter School Application

An updated version of the Florida Standard Charter School Application went into effect in November 2022.  Use this link to find the necessary model forms including Standard Charter Contract, School School Application, and Application Evaluation Instrument.

A New Option For Submitting A Charter Application

This webinar will provide information on the process for applying for a charter school through the Charter School Review Commission. The required documents, process for submittal, and timeline will be discussed.

The Charter School Unit offers support to start up and existing charter schools

FAQ for Charter School Founders

New Applicant Training

Section 1002.33(6)(f)2., F.S., requires a charter school applicant to participate in the training provided by the Department of Education after approval of an application but at least 30 calendar days before the first day of classes at the charter school. The training must include instruction in accurate financial planning and good business practices. If the applicant is a management company or a nonprofit organization, the charter school principal and the chief financial officer or his or her equivalent must also participate in the training. A sponsor may not require a high-performing charter school or high-performing charter school system applicant to participate in the training described in this subparagraph more than once.
Contact charterschools@fldoe.org if you have any questions.

Governance Training for charter school board members

Board Governance: All You Need to Know and Then Some
Doral Leadership Institute
Lina Sierra, (305) 463-7210, lsierra@aveteaching.com

Statutes, Rules & Model Forms

Charter School Program Grant

The Charter Schools Program (CSP) provides the only dedicated federal funding to support the creation, expansion, and replication of charter schools.

Florida Charter School Statistics

Directory of Charter Schools in Florida

District Charter School Offices

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