Charter School Startup Petition Process and Timeline


  1. A letter of intent must be submitted to the local Board and the Office of Charter School Compliance at least six months in advance of the charter petition being submitted.
  2. A final petition must be submitted on or before January 1 (unless the OCSC approves an alternative deadline in advance).
  3. Identify the timeframe between when the local board approves the charter petition and when the charter school is expected to begin serving students (pre-opening period). The pre-opening period shall be at least 6 months.
  4. The local board of education must, by majority vote, approve or deny a petition no later than June 30.
  5. If the petition is denied, then within 20 days a detailed statement of denial will be provided to the petitioner, the SBOE and the OCSC, with the elements set forth in state statute.  
  6. If the petition is approved, a copy must be submitted to OCSC and notice of approval will be sent to the petitioner within 30 days.