Start a Charter School

DC PCSB announces a new timeline for the new school charter application cycle Most importantly, we will shift the cycle to the fall while lengthening the planning year.

Approving or denying applications for new charter schools is among the important things we do as an authorizer. These decisions shape the quality, quantity, and types of schools students can access. We believe the updated process will increase the quality of applications, lead to stronger openings, and allow for thoughtful decision-making through capacity-driven calendar planning. These changes also align with recent guidance from the National Association of Charter School Authorizers (NACSA) and DC PCSB policies. For example, NACSA recommends holding “pitch meetings” where the authorizer provides preliminary feedback to the founding team.

​We will make an announcement regarding the upcoming charter application cycle in early April 2026. For questions, please contact  [email protected]. 

2025 Charter Application Guidelines

Interested applicants may review these archived guidelines to learn how DC PCSB evaluates applications.
2025 Charter Application Guidelines

Sector Planning Supplement

New school and expansion request applications must respond to this data to inform their case for demand. DC PCSB will release an updated analysis soon.

2024 Sector Planning Supplement

Charter Application Archive

View previously approved and denied charter school Applications from 2011 through 2025.
Charter Application Archive

Charter Schools Program Grant

Learn more about the Title IV, Part C Charter Schools Program (CSP) grant for eligible conditionally approved charter applicants, as administered by the Office of State Superintendent for Education (OSSE).
CSP Planning and Implementation Grant