START A SCHOOL
The Process
New Schools for Alabama is first and foremost a charter school support organization. We provide expert technical assistance to charter schools throughout the application process to ensure that promising applicants gain approval and are able implement their school models for the students who need them most.
But the process of opening a charter school is far more complex than simply submitting a compelling application. The following list represents—at a minimum—the steps we believe aspiring charter founders must complete (not necessarily in sequential order):
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Draft a 1-page concept paper crystalizing your mission and educational model
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Obtain federal 501(c)3 nonprofit status for your organization
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Identify a geographic location
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Find a building (not required, but encouraged)
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Understand your funding (state, local, federal, and philanthropic)
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Complete an application
We strongly encourage applicants to reach out early and often in the process.
Thinking about launching a charter school?
Types of Charter Schools
The School Choice and Student Opportunity Act of 2015 allows for the creation of two distinct types of charter schools in Alabama: startup charter schools and conversion charter schools.
Startup Application Timeline
Groups applying to open a charter school in a district that has registered as an authorizer must first apply to the district. Should the district deny the application, applicants can appeal to the Alabama Public Charter School Commission (APCSC). The decision of the APCSC is final. Groups applying to open in a district that has not registered as an authorizer must apply directly to the APCSC. Each application timeline is outlined below. Note that there are two opportunities (cycles) each year to apply.
APPLICATIONS TO OPEN
FALL 2021
LOCAL DISTRICT APPLICATIONS
Cycle 1
Nov. 1
Authorizer releases RFP for applications
Nov. 30
Jan. 27
Applications due
Decisions due from authorizer
Cycle 2
Jan. 14
Authorizer releases RFP for applications
Mar. 13
May 12
Applications due
Authorizer decisions due
COMMISSION APPLICATIONS
Cycle 1
Sept. 2
Dec. 18
Feb. 11
Application available
Applications due to APCSC
Decisions due from APCSC
Cycle 2
Jan. 14
Mar. 13
May 12
Application available
Applications due to APCSC
Decisions due from APCSC
APPEALS
Step 1
Authorizers submit decisions to APCSC within 30 days of denying application
Step 2
Appeal can be filed by applicants
Step 3
Appealing party submits materials to APCSC
Step 4
APCSC notifies authorizer of appeal; authorizer appoints 11th member to APCSC
Step 5
APCSC schedules open meeting to hear appeal
Step 6
Consideration of appeal
For more application details visit the ALSDE website.