New Charter School Application Process and Timeline

Application Timeline

Step 1:  Technical Training

Step 2:  Full Charter School Application

The full application is submitted by the applicant that provides a comprehensive description of the school from an instructional, operational and governance perspective. The applicant is required to demonstrate proficiency to a series of questions throughout the application template. Responses are expected to be clearly articulate an understanding regarding the functions needed to fulfill the responsibility of planning, opening and operations of the new public charter school. This application serves as as guide to the information that may be in requested. 

Sample -  PGCPS Charter School Application.docx

Step 3: Capacity Interview and Recommendation

The final step in the application process includes the evaluation of the application and an interview with the applicant. A team of internal and external content specialists will thoroughly read and evaluate the application for merit and sound educational principles that will govern a high quality learning environment. An interview with the applicant is conducted to solicit clarifying answers to questions discovered during the evaluation of the application. The process culminates with a recommendation to the board of education for its review and approval or denial. A final decision will be rendered within 120 days of the receipt of the application. If the application is denied, a debriefing is held to share concerns.  The applicant may appeal the denial to the State Board of Education.

Charter School Resources

• Public Charter School Improvement Act of 2015
  
• Maryland Alliance for Public Charter Schools
  
• MSDE, Charter School Programs
  
• National Alliance of Public Charter Schools
  
• TITLE IX Maryland Public Charter School Program