Resources for Developing a Public Charter School

Charter School Program P&I Grant Information

The South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) announces that the 2018–19 Round Two Request for Proposals for the Charter Schools Program Planning and Implementation grant is now available online. Approximately $10 million in funding will be distributed on a competitive basis and the deadline to apply is May 15, 2018.

For this funding round, the SCDE will award funds to expand the number of high-quality charter schools available to students across the state and to evaluate the effects of charter schools on students, student achievement, staff, and parents. New charter schools that are slated to open in the 2018–19 school year are eligible to apply for planning and implementation funding. A charter school which meets the federal definition of a charter school and is in the first year of operation may apply for an implementation-only subgrant for up to 24 months. As public schools, charter schools are nonreligious, non–home-based, nonprofit, and nondiscriminatory.

The SCDE will offer a technical assistance webinar for grant applicants on April 27th, 2018, from 2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m., via Adobe Connect. Participants may log in up to 30 minutes in advance of the session to test their equipment and download handouts.

Visit the SCDE Grant Opportunities page for updated information on grants, eligibility, application deadlines, and technical assistance. For more information about the Charter Schools Program Planning and Implementation grant, contact Fredrica Brailsford at 803-734-0526, [email protected].

Once Your Charter is Approved - What's Next?

1. Make sure everyone on your charter committee has read your charter and all attachments.

2. Have a charter committee meeting to review the final draft and all attachments. Everyone should be well versed and have time to ask questions.

3. Continue to document student interest in your school.

4. Start working on your presentation of your school for your hearing. Decide who will present and who will be answering questions on the different sections: education, finance, staffing, governance, etc. Work on articulating WHY there is a need for this school in your community in just 60 seconds.

Charter School Application Documents

• Application documents are on SC Department of Education website:  http://ed.sc.gov/districts-schools/school-choice-innovation/charter-schools-program/charter-school-application-information/
• If you are applying for Sponsorship from the SC Public Charter School District please follow their directions on their page:  http://www.sccharter.org

Charter School Laws and Regulations

• Regulation R 43-601 Procedures and Standards for Review Charter School Applications
• Charter School Law

SC Charter School Start Up Incubator

Let the Alliance help you navigate the "How's", "Why's", "When's", and questions about starting a charter school. Sign up for our Start Up Incubator to help get you on your way! Charter Incubator Application. Helpful FAQ's. 

Charter Starter Writers Webinars

The Alliance walks you through the steps of writing a charter school application with a series of informative writers webinars. CharterStarter Webinars are every week - don't miss out!

Resources for New School Development

• Letter of Intent (LOI) with notes based on FAQs
• Grade Span and Enrollment and Staff Planning
• Charter Starters Planning Calendar with due dates, webinars, and tips.
• Introduction to Teacher Licensure - Certified and Non-Certified Faculty: Watch recorded webinar here // Flexibility Overview sheet // Licensure powerpoint
• Documenting Student Support, sample form: Letter of Student Interest
• Request Estimated Revenues from the SC Department of Education for your budget by contacting Kayla K. Audette
  
• Your Mission Statement matters: How do I make my mission sound more exciting?
  

START UP INCUBATOR