Why Start a Charter School?

The primary reason for charter schools is to make sure every child has access to a quality education. With the freedom and choice to do so, charter schools set higher standards and must meet them to stay in business. Most public schools stay in business no matter how poorly they perform. Not so with charter schools. They are your ticket to a higher quality education.

Getting Started

Process overview
Charter Schools USA develops charter schools for corporations, municipalities, governmental agencies, developers, and non-profit organizations. Each client has individual needs that require unique components to satisfy those needs. Charter Schools USA has an experienced team that is able to address and meet those needs. The following is a brief example of the process that is in involved in designing, developing and managing a charter school.

Client Development Stage

The Client Development Stage is the first step in becoming a Charter Schools USA client. In this phase, the potential client receives a welcome packet, which includes the following:

  • CEO's introduction letter
  • Table of contents
  • Executive summary
  • Roles and responsibilities of potential client and Charter Schools USA
  • Pre-Qualification Application (PQA)
  • Development Agreement and Management Agreement

The Pre-Qualification Application (PQA) serves as a conduit to provide Charter Schools USA with pertinent general information pertaining to the proposed charter school. Upon successful completion of this questionnaire and pre-qualification by Charter Schools USA, a proposal of services is presented to the potential client. The proposal will consist of an outline detailing the different components of the school, such as:

  • Academic program
  • School focus
  • Administration and faculty
  • School size
  • Grade levels
  • School governance
  • Facilities issues
  • Finance issues
  • Fee structure and payment schedule
  • Project timeline

Phase I: Assessment

In the Assessment Phase, the viability of the proposed project is measured. This study provides Charter Schools USA and the potential client with the necessary information to make a sound decision on whether they are prepared to organize a charter school. If the assessment does not demonstrate that the charter school would attract the required enrollment, Charter Schools USA or the client may abandon or postpone the project.

Information generally provided in the Assessment includes, but is not limited to, the following:

  • Site locations
  • Parent and student demand
  • Funding expectations/needs
  • Governance, insurance, budgeting recommendations
  • Operations issues
  • Any and all other issues relevant for the client to consider in making a decision whether to sponsor a charter school or not

Phase II: Application

The Application serves as the basis for the charter agreement with the chartering agency. This document is a lengthy, detailed document that outlines in great detail the curriculum, operations, governance, and facilities plans for the proposed charter school. Charter Schools USA develops, writes, and submits the charter application and then works with the chartering agency to obtain approval.

Phase III: Development

The Development is a very detailed and comprehensive phase. It entails every aspect of the school to ensure that the school opens on time and is ready to educate and serve its students.

Facilities Planning & Development

  • Charter Schools USA's Design/Build Team ensures that the design and function of the facility meets the specifications for the learning environment
  • Ordering and purchasing the furniture, fixtures and equipment
  • Negotiations and arrangements lease, if applicable

Operations Planning & Development

  • Implement the curriculum and school plan
  • Market the school and recruit students
  • Interview and hire the principal and teachers

Phase IV: Operations Management

Charter Schools USA provides the ongoing management assistance needed to maximize performance and minimize overhead for the school. Our management team assists with the following:

  • Board of Directors
  • School administration
  • Technical support, assessment and testing performance comparisons
  • Budget oversight and compliance
  • Faculty professional development