One of the most important and foundational experiences that sets children up for success is receiving a strong education. And across Pennsylvania, parents are increasingly turning to Charter Schools to play that pivotal role. Charter Schools are considered public schools in Pennsylvania, but they can actually be formed by members of the community. This Article is meant to better explain how a community can come together and open a Charter School if they desire. It will not include every important detail but it will give a broad overview of the process. Forming a Charter School is not something that is done overnight but it can have many positive effects on students if it is done properly.
Initial Steps:
Get To Know Your District:
Charter Schools are still considered a part of the school district they operate within. Each school board will have their own sets of policies and procedures on how to file the application. Decide whether your Charter School will operate within one district or if you would like a regional charter school that takes on students from multiple districts. If there are other charter schools in your area, build relationships with those individuals as well as the school board members you will be working with.
Design Your Vision and Team:
Charter Schools will have distinct missions and curriculum structures that they believe will serve their community, and your Charter School will need the same. What grade levels will be included, how many students in total, and how will students be admitted are key considerations of every Charter School. And a core group of strong leaders will be needed to handle the formation of the charter. Your team should be active members of the community who will be able to bring in support (both financial and parent interest) to your school.
Business Structure:
Charter Schools ultimately operate as Nonprofit Corporations in Pennsylvania as required by law. This will require a foundation to be formed by filing appropriate tax forms and an articles of incorporation and a Board of Trustees to be appointed/elected. The leaders of the Charter School will have to take time to ensure that the Charter School will be viable and able to be at capacity and operate.
The Application Process:
Timeline:
Generally, the deadline to apply for a brick and mortar charter school is November 15th to then be able to open the following school year. Within 45 days of receiving the application, the School District will be required to hold a hearing on the application where they will question its contents and better understand what the Charter School aims to achieve. Within 75 days after that hearing, a decision will be rendered on whether to grant the charter. If denied, which is often the case in your first application, the decision can then be appealed to the Charter Appeals Board or the application can be fixed to address deficiencies then refiled.
The Application Itself:
A Charter School application will be the in-depth document that covers every aspect of the school you want to form. From special education policies to expulsion procedures, the application is meant to demonstrate that your Charter School is fully realized and designed effectively operate. The potential facilities will already need to be identified along with how the school is going to be financed and a full-fledged curriculum with a school leadership structure. The more details and proof of support you can show for your school, the better.
Steps Taken After Application Approval:
You’ve been approved (Yay!), the next steps are to now make your Charter School a reality. Begin to secure all of your facilities and staff needed for your first day of operation. Receiving funding from local groups and training everyone from those on your governing board that handle policy review to all of your teachers and administrators will put you on the path for a successful school.
Interested in learning more and potentially getting legal assistance in forming your Charter School or Charter School management, contact the members of our Education Law group for help at (717) 864-8969.
