Start a Charter School
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 the recent New School Application Guidance from the National Association of Charter School Authorizers (NACSA). For example, NACSA recommends holding “pitch meetings” where the authorizer provides preliminary feedback to the founding team.
We plan to release the 2026 Charter Application Guidelines this winter. For questions, please contact [email protected]
Timeline
The following timeline represents the external-facing events comprising the 2026 Charter Application Dates are subject to change based on scheduling needs. All times are for Eastern Time (ET).
| Event | Date |
| Release 2026 Charter Application Guidelines | February 6, 2026 |
| Informational sessions | April 1 – April 15, 2026 |
| Letters of intent due | June 4, 2026 at 5 p.m. |
| Pitch meetings with applicants who submitted letters | June 8 – June 22, 2026 |
| Written applications due | September 4, 2026 at 9 a.m. |
| Site visits, if applicable | September 9 – October 9, 2026 |
| Capacity interviews | September 23 – 24, 2026 |
| Public hearing on new school applications | October 19, 2026 at 6 p.m. |
| Vote on new school applications | November 16, 2026 at 6 p.m. |
| Release decision letters | November 25, 2026 |
2025 Charter Application Guidelines
Sector Planning Supplement
Charter Application Archive
Charter Schools Program Grant
Charter Applications Archive
The School Reform Act of 1995 (SRA) requires applicants seeking to establish a new public charter school in DC to file a petition with DC PCSB, as the sole authorizer. This archive displays previously approved and denied charter school applications from 2011 through 2025.
The 2025 Charter Application Guidelines explains the previous process by which applicants submit their petitions and DC PCSB evaluates them. DC PCSB will release the 2026 Charter Application Guidelines in February 2026. For more information regarding the charter application process, visit Start a Charter School. For questions, contact [email protected]