Start a Charter School

PCSB offers two applications -- Startup and Experienced Operators -- for starting a charter school in Washington, DC. 

For Startup Applicants

Startup application is designed for local founding groups that want to start a charter school. The application is designed to evaluate the founding group's ability to design and implement a new school model, either completely new or in partnership with existing schools, nonprofits or charter/education management organizations.

PCSB only accepts startup applications in the spring of every year. The approved school would open at the start of the school year in the subsequent calendar year, i.e. schools applying in March 2013 can open in August 2014. (Also see revised application guidelines to address questions about goals.)

For more information about the upcoming 2014 application cycle, please email applications@dcpcsb.org.

Startup Charter Application Supporting Documents:

Form Listing Necessary Documents for Filing Application

Assurances for Title 1 of ESEA

Goals and Expectations

Sample Table of Contents 

FY2013 Funding Formula

Two-Year Operating Budget Work Sheet

For Experienced Operators

Experienced Operators Application (2013 version) is designed for established Charter Management Companies (CMO) or Education Management Companies (EMO) that are interested in replicating a school model that has a proven track record of success. We suggest at least 3 to 5 years of state accountability data for the flagship school. The application is designed to evaluate the success of the current educational model that is being proposed for replication and the ability of the CMO/EMO to provide local and national support and resources to the DC school. Qualified applicants may apply using the experienced operator application, with a start date of the fall of the following calendar year or sooner, depending on the application. 

The 2014 Experienced Operator Guidelines will be released soon. For more information, email applications@dcpcsb.org.