Charter Schools Petition Process

Click Here To Learn More About the Charter School Petition Process

The timeline for submission of a startup charter final petition is:

1. It is required that a letter of intent to be submitted to the JCSS Board of Education and the Office of Charter School Compliance at least 60 days in advance of the charter petition being submitted.
2. A final petition must be submitted to the JCSS Board of Education and the Office of Charter School Compliance on or before January 1.
3. Identify the timeframe between when the local board approves the charter petition and when the charter school is expected to begin serving students (preopening period). The pre-opening period shall be at least 6 months.
4. The JCSS Board of Education must, by majority vote, approve or deny a petition no later than June 30.
5. If the petition is denied, a detailed statement of denial will be provided to the petitioner, the SBOE and OCSC within 20 days, with the elements set forth in state statute.  
6. If the petition is approved, a copy is to be submitted to OCSC and notice of approval to the petitioner within 30 days.