Starting a Charter School

Academy

How do you take a dream and turn it into a successful charter school?

FCPCS can help you at every step along the way.

FCPCS recommends that new charter school developers spend at least two years or more to plan their new school. This will allow sufficient time to assemble a good founding team and board of directors, gather information on demographics, define the instructional program, create a sound financial and marketing plan, identify potential school sites, and submit a well-designed charter application.

If you are just getting started, please visit the Florida Department of Education's New Applicant webpage to guide you through the initial planning process.

We also recommend that you visit the U.S. Department of Education’s extensive website on charter schools for additional details on each aspect of starting and opening a charter school.

Learn about the First Steps to Starting a Charter School

If Your Application is Already Approved

If your charter application has already been approved, we recommend using the services of the New Schools Institute, sponsored by the Charter Support Unit.

FCPCS Membership Services for New School Developers

FCPCS offers a variety of programs and services for charter school developers through a special low-cost Membership for Charter School Developers. Membership benefits include:

  • Access to FCPCS Preferred Consultants, who have expertise in many areas of charter school operations
  • The “Best Practices” section of the website, which features dozens of school forms and procedures used in charter schools, and information on developing “Power Standards” and standards-based assessment instruments
  • The latest charter school news, including the latest changes to charter school law
  • Discounts on customized Training and Professional Development, including training for Governing Boards

Apply for membership online now.+ 
For more information, contact FCPCS at 954-463-9595 or by email at [email protected].